58 pages • 1 hour read
Tahar Ben JellounThe Sand Child
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Sand Child by Tahar Ben Jelloun follows the life of Ahmed, born female but raised as a boy by an authoritarian father in traditional patriarchal Moroccan society. The narrative, told through multiple storytellers and Ahmed's own writings, explores themes of gender identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom as Ahmed grapples with his forced male identity and the consequences of his father's decision. The novel addresses issues such as gender dysphoria, familial abuse, and mental health struggles.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tahar Ben Jelloun's The Sand Child is lauded for its lyrical prose and profound exploration of gender identity within a traditional Moroccan setting. Critics appreciate its rich storytelling and cultural insights. However, some find its nonlinear narrative and complex symbolism challenging. Overall, it is heralded as a thought-provoking literary work.
Who Should Read The Sand Child?
A reader who relishes The Sand Child by Tahar Ben Jelloun likely enjoys introspective, culturally rich narratives that navigate themes of gender identity and societal norms. Ideal for fans of Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things, this novel speaks to those intrigued by complex characters and lyrical prose.