Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits

This is a beautiful, beautiful book. It tells the stories of four individuals in two sets of vignettes. The first set is of the four of them in Morocco; the second set tells what happened to the four of them after they were caught entering Spain by the Guardia Civil. I loved how the stories totally embraced the culture of Morocco, using food, sounds, language, words, customs, and more to create the ambience very special to this country. I would have loved a glossary to go with this story as there were some terms I did not know and felt I needed to look them up elsewhere. I have a hard time following stories with a multiplicity of characters, but, even though I had to write down synopses of each chapter so I would remember who was who, I show more feel that was time well spent. I even excuse the author from compelling me to do this.

I have read one more novel by this author, but I loved this book much more than her second novel. I am eagerly looking forward to reading her newest novel which I heard her talk about during her 2016 appearance at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC. show less

This book contains a series of loosely linked short stories about Moroccan immigrants trying to reach Spain by boat. We follow the lives of several Moroccans, the reasons they wish to leave, and the successes or (mostly) failures of their plans. It is well-written and inspires empathy for the characters who wish to find a better life. The author does a nice job of depicting cultural and religious aspects of the region, and the differences in thinking of those who live there. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had more of an overarching storyline rather than a series of short vignettes. I have read other books by Laila Lalami (my favorite is The Moor’s Account) and will continue to seek out her other works.

This book contains a series of loosely linked short stories about Moroccan immigrants trying to reach Spain by boat. We follow the lives of several Moroccans, the reasons they wish to leave, and the successes or (mostly) failures of their plans. It is well-written and inspires empathy for the characters who wish to find a better life. The author does a nice job of depicting cultural and religious aspects of the region, and the differences in thinking of those who live there. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had more of an overarching storyline rather than a series of short vignettes. I have read other books by Laila Lalami (my favorite is The Moor’s Account) and will continue to seek out her other works.

I'd love to give this one five stars as I think it is truly unique and well written. But it just doesn't give quite enough sense of resolution for me to be totally satisfied. A great book detailing the plight of several Moroccans and following their attempt to migrate to escape the lack of jobs and hopelessness of Morocco. Each chapter is the perspective of one of the characters - - either before or after they've tried to emigrate. The prose is spare and easy to read. A little treasure of a book.

First time novelist Lalami has written a beautitul story that is surprisingly detailed for a slim novel of 200 pages. It begins with the crossing from Morocco by four protagonists, an abused wife, a fanatical student, a hustler and a husband seeking decent wages by way of the Strait of Gibraltar for a new life in Spain. The pilot refuses to take them all the way where they are tipped into the ocean and forced to swim only to be met by the waiting authorities as they reach the shore. It is here that the story reverses and we meet each character in turn and what led to their decision to flee. The prospect of drowning takes on a symbolic reference as they are people trapped in oppressive lives and cultures. All too often we hear about ‘ show more illegal immigrants’ and the author has succeeded in giving a human face to her characters where governments always refer to them as illegal in a political construct. Sadly it is the case that for many who choose this option it remains but a dream and ultimately a dangerous pursuit. show less

Beautifully told and so very Moroccan. Many people try to evoke Morocco or the Middle East/North Africa region by describing things elaborately but Lalami paints a picture more true to Morocco, as anyone who was lived there for a little while can see. The stories let us look into the characters lives and the writing is accessible without being simplistic.

This young Moroccan-born writer has produced a wonderful debut collection of short stories, set in modern-day Morocco, and Spain. The first half of the book depicts various characters in Morocco who dream of a better life in Spain, just across the Strait of Gibraltar, not even 14 km across the waters. The second half encapsulates the lives of those who have already managed to leave, in search of a better life on the other side, with unfortunately less than desirable results.

Lailami provided an authentic voice, detailing the issues young people currently face in the Arab/Muslim world, which I enjoyed. The stories show the lengths people will go to, to secure a better life for themselves and their families, and the challenges Arabs and show more North Africans face when entering European/ Western countries.

The mood throughout the slim volume is gray, and a spurt of color would have been welcome to break the cheerlessness. That said, Lalami is a great writer and the book is a quick worthwhile read. I’d definitely read more by Lalami given the chance. show less