Father is akin to a candle which we follow in darkness to search our right path.
A delicate memoir about loss and grief, written from the innocent perspective of a hurting daughter. Even the book could benefit from editing, it offers a unique insight into the rich Algerian culture and its people. While reading this book, I could feel the outpour of love, and I was reminded of my dad and how much writing about him helped me.
My opinion:
With new writers, I always try to go beyond the editing issues or even possible typos, as these are so characteristic of those who are at the beginning of their writing journey. I am rather excited to spot a gem in the rough and give wings to someone who feels like it is their life’s mission to put words on paper. This is exactly what happened when I read this book, particularly as I could relate to the subject of grief and loss. “Some people do not believe in heroes, but they haven’t met my dad.” I am always amazed how all people go through the same experiences, regardless of their age, culture, or occupational background.
For the girl in the book, her father means everything. She is permanently drawn to the “eyes filled with mystery and wisdom, seeing her parent as a “man of great faith, merciful, generous, kind and respectful”. Throughout the book, we get to see the girl and her father in different life stages, including with the Algerian revolution in the background. They have conversations about teaching, prayer and what lies inside their heart, with a strong focus on their religion. We get to see a strong bond between daughter and father, with never-ending admiration for each other.
The book also overflows with aspects of the Algerian culture, which were so interesting to follow. From the traditional dish Msemen, which is made with honey, to the prayer of Maghrib, the reader is taken on a delicious travel into a world that is less known than others. I loved the descriptions of the clothes they were and how deeply devoted Algerians are to their customs and traditions (Ramadan included). The father is always talking to the daughter, always showing her things, being there for her on the first day at the mosque, when she was sick, or preparing for her studies.
As the girl grows into a young woman, she will have to face the most devastating experience of her life, losing her father. I felt emotional as I read about their fond memories, as I realized that grief and the longing for those we have lost does not care about cultural differences or borders. Shall we meet again, the author asks, leaving the answer somewhere in the air. In truth, I think she already knows that, someday, they will indeed meet again.
Verdict:
With the help of a good editor, this book could become even better! I think it is an emotional story, one that you cannot read without coming to tears, remembering the fond memories you have of people you’ve lost. For me, it was a story that I could relate to, as I have lost my father as well. I appreciated the cultural details about Algeria, its people and the traditions they follow, I believe they brought a lot of value to the book.
Lovely!