The Lemon

Abdeslam, "Lemon" leaves his family after a new teacher arrives at his school. The bright and rebellious youth finds a home with Bachir, a dock worker, Bachir drinks alcohol and frequents prostitutes. The writing at the beginning of the book is choppy with many short sentences, as Abdeslam matures so does the writing. Overall an interesting look at how a child sees the conflicts between Western and Islamic cultures.

Fascinating and disturbing. A great intro to North African fiction, especially for the many colonial and gender issues explored from a young boy's perspective. The protagonist also has a very strange relationship with his faith.

See also Mrabet's short story, "The Boy Who Set the Fire."

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***** This is the true first American edition, first printing (with "123456789" stated on the copyright page). ***** This book is SIGNED by Paul Bowles on the title page. Mr. Bowles did not inscribe this book to anyone; it is just signed by him. ***** Very nice hardcover with dust jacket. There is NO writing, NO bookplates, and NO remainder marks. It is NOT a book club edition and NOT a former library book. The dust jacket is NOT price-clipped ($5.95). CONDITION: Both the book and dust jacket are in FINE condition. We include new mylar (clear) dust jacket protectors with all books at no charge. ***** OUR GUARANTEE TO YOU: All books are guaranteed to be as described. We believe that no sale is complete until you are happy. Any book is show more returnable for a full refund (including postage) if you're not 100% satisfied. All books are packaged very carefully and shipped via USPS Mail with Delivery Confirmation. Thank you! Richard Vick, Modern First Editions (Buying and Selling Modern First Editions since 1982). Bookseller Inventory # 1628 show less

Abdeslam è un ragazzo senza casa che impara la vita per le strade di Tangeri. I vicoli, II mercato, il porto sono la sua scuola; Nei bassifondi, nei caffe' e infine in prigione trova il confronto con l'umanità. Depravazione, ignoranza, violenza lo circondano ma non per questo intende negare a se stesso un po' d'amore. Il breve romanzo è frutto di una narrazione del marocchino Mohammed Mrabet che Paul Bowles ha tradotto.