A Street in Marrakech

I am an American woman who has been living in Marrakesh for the past 9 years. I just read this book. Even though it was written in the early 1970's, I found it to be a very accurate portrayal of life in the old medina, even now. The author and her husband are anthropologists, and both spoke fluent Arabic upon their arrival, from having lived previously in Iraq and Egypt. Therefore, the author was able to converse with people daily, and understand completely, what they were saying. This is something I have never been able to do. Because of this, she is able to give a VERY detailed look at an aspect of life which is nearly impossible for most outsiders to penetrate--the hidden life of Medina women, which takes place behind high, closed walls. What she describes is very similar to what I have experienced here of life with my Moroccan husband's family, and the people who live around them in the Medina. This book is NOT a study of political or historical conditions--it is the detailed, personal history of one family's year-long experience of living, and immersing itself, in the life of Marrakesh.

Being enamoured of the Middle East my search for reading matter usually begins in this area. We enjoyed a stay in Morrocco some years ago and I'm enjoying this depiction of daily life in the Medina.Given the more recent events in the Middle East it's interesting because it portrays life in the 1970's and we can see how people and circumstances have or have'nt changed over the last few years which leads us to a greater understanding of the people.

A most thoughtful account of life as an ex-pat in the medina in the 1970's with lots of insight into relationships between Marrakshis and outsiders.Clearly and sensibly written.Lacking the verve and humor of Peter Mayne's book set in the 1950's but eminently readable and recognizable.Probably of most interest to those who are familiar with Marrakesh.

I was so glad that I had read this book before my recent trip to Morocco. It greatly increased my understanding of the Moroccan culture and I was able to more fully apprciate the personal interactions I had with the Moroccan people. It was a great insight into the daily lives of Moroccan women. After I returned, I re-read the book and enjoyed other aspects which I had glossed over before getting to know a bit more about the country.

My mom gave this book to a friend over 5 years ago and I have been looking for a copy since that time. This is a great book that helps people learn and appreciate other cultures and understand the diversity in the Middle East and Northern Africa. She has also written memoirs about Iran and Egypt. This book arrived in excellent condition and fairly priced.

A classic work portraying Moroccan society in the early 1970s. Banned in Morocco under Hassan II

I love all the travelogue type books that Elizabeth Warnock Fernea has written! Since she wrote about the middle east during a different era, her books paint a different picture of the middle east than is portrayed these days. Her descriptions of life in Marrakech are from an insiders perspective and her writing is fresh, honest, and perceptive.

A tender recite of an American family living for one year in Marrakesh. A real and beautiful story of coexistence.

It's kind of funny reading books from the 60's and 70' and even 80's where no one has cell/mobile phones or computers.No GPS or Google etc.etc.etc. This book takes place in a much more innocent time where an academic American family can assimilate (as best can be expected) into the still essentially 3rd world Islamic Marrakech. I can honestly say that I enjoyed this sometimes tedious and over long book. It's moment by often dull moments during meals, a wedding and various visits to religious sites in or around Marrakech. It's an inside view into the everyday life in the Medina (oldest part of Marrakech) seen through western eyes.

I felt like I was there living with the family and got to know the neighbours as though they lived next to me

Perfect