Review: The Shadows of Ghadames by Joelle Stolz

The Shadows of Ghadames by Joëlle Stolz

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Stolz, Joëlle. 2004. The Shadows of Ghadames.  Trans. by Catherine Temerson. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385731043

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Malika is 12 years old and living in Ghadames, a city in Libya. As a young Muslim girl almost at marriageable age, she is not allowed to leave her home except for special occasions, and must be satisfied with staying home. Malika’s greatest wish is to learn to read like her brother and travel to far away places like her father. The women of Ghadames live their lives and entertain one another on their roofs high above the city. After Malika’s father leaves to sell his goods in far away cities, Malika, her mother, and her mother’s second wife take in a man who had been injured on the street. As they nurse him back to health in secrecy, Abdelkarim grants Malika her fondest wish, and teaches her to read.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Despite cultural differences, Malika appears to be a typical 12 year old girl. She has great respect for her mother and father, and fights good naturedly with her half brother Jasim. Stolz fills the pages of her novel with cultural markers specific to a Muslim household. Malika’s mother Meriem is described as having fairly light skin, and is a strict follower of the rules binding Muslim women of the time period. She has not left her home except to go to the baths since her marriage and expects Malika to behave in the same way. Meriem does not approve of allowing Abdelkarim to stay as he recovers from his attack, and has to be persuaded to allow him to teach Malika to read Arabic. Bilkisu, the “wife from the journey” is described as having darker skin and a more relaxed way of interacting with others.

Rituals and religious practices are described in great detail and with great importance by the author. An oil lamp is moved to indicate the man of the house, Malika’s father, has gone on his trip. This lets all the neighboring homes know that men should not come to visit because the women are alone in the home. On the way to the women’s baths, the women must stand in recessed areas of the street when a man is coming, to avoid contact with him. Malika, her mother, and Bilkisu attend one of many night ceremonies which are women only, and are one of the only times they are allowed to freely leave the city without the accompaniment of a male relative. The women engage in the “women’s market” that takes place on the rooftops with women selling their items and engaging in gossip while relaxing their way of dressing because men are not in attendance. Stolz describes the way women let their veils drop, ankles and legs show, and don’t bother to hide their numerous blue tattoos.

The descriptions of the dark and mazelike Ghadames streets make the reader feel as though they were inside the story. Although the setting is described brilliantly, Stolz does not describe the time period in which this story takes place until the Author’s Note. This novel is slim, but is filled with extensive details about Muslim life in the 19^th century. Any reader should be able to sympathize with the theme of The Shadows of Ghadames. How can someone remain respectful and true to their beliefs, but still be allowed to follow their dreams?

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2005 Batchelder Award Winner

Starred review in Booklist: “The vivid backdrop is intoxicating, but the story's universal concerns will touch readers most: sibling jealously, confusion about adult customs, and a growing interest in a world beyond family.”

Review in School Library Journal: “The imprecise use of language may make it difficult for readers to visualize this distant world and to understand the characters' motivations. Still, this novel would be useful in schools studying this part of the world.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* This book would be useful in a discussion on the differences between growing up in Libya versus America.

*Other books about young girls from Middle Eastern countries:
Naidoo, Beverly. The Other Side of Truth. ISBN 9780064410021
Nye, Naomi  Shihab. Habibi. ISBN 9780689825231
Staples, Suzanne Fisher. Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind. ISBN 9780440238560
Staples, Suzanne Fisher. Haveli. ISBN 9780679865698