pick#ReadingAfrica2022 #Morocco 🇲🇦
Divided into three 'Tales', I wasn't sure that I'd get through the first one, simply because of my own incomprehension. The remaining 2/3s of the poem drew me on, though, and this is a solid 4⭐
Using the story of Scheherazade, Madani reflects on the position of women in patriarchal societies (so, everywhere!) In the context of the oppressive rule of King Hassan II of Morocco, known as the Years of Lead. 👇🏼
"Give me your hand
I'll sing softly for you in the dark
and my voice a wave in the night
will carry to the other shore
the butterflies of your dream."
"I will rip apart the marble
I will open the harem gates
I will lift the trapdoors of underground cities
and my footsteps in the sun will be numbered
for having escaped Scheherzade's tales
unscathed and clearheaded to pass on the cries from all the tombs
for I have listened at graves
the way one listens at closed doors."
Book 10 for #ReadingAfrica2022 #Morocco 🇲🇦
I've had this on my wishlist for a while: I couldn't resist the title! It's inspired by the story of Scheherazade from the 1001 Nights, dealing with contemporary issues affecting women, told in verse, with both the original French and translated English texts. I have high hopes for this one! 🤞🏻
NB: The author is Rachida Madani, though Litsy gives the translator first billing 🤷🏻♂️
#currentlyreading for the @bookriot #ReadHarder challenge. It's a collection of translated poetry on a topic other than love. I'm digging it.
Tales of a Severed Head | 
Madani's poem is by turns beautiful and terrifying. @Librarybelle @BarbaraBB 3y