Review of THE SHADOWS OF GHADAMES

Stolz, Joelle. 1999. THE SHADOWS OF GHADAMES. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385731043.

PLOT SUMMARY
Eleven year old Malika lives atop the rooftops of her neighborhood in this historical fiction account of life in the Libyan city of Ghadames. At the end of the nineteenth century, Muslim traditions require men and women to live separate lives “as necessary and different as the sun and the moon” (p. 10). Men conduct business in the shaded alleyways and boys play in the crowded streets, while women and girls remain on the upper levels of the homes tending to household duties and visiting each other among the rooftops. As Malika approaches womanhood, she must come to terms with her restricted lifestyle, even as a stranger offers her a way to grow and explore the outside world through learning to read.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Joelle Stolz paints a richly detailed portrait of life in an isolated desert town at the turn of the twentieth century. Vivid descriptions of Ghadames’ Muslim community authentically portray issues important to this particular culture. Even though more than a century has past, the religious, linguistic, and social concepts still remain relevant to Muslims of today.

The author weaves a variety of cultural markers into her story that create a sense of accuracy and authenticity. Social customs are explored in detail, giving the reader an insider’s look into the restricted world of Muslim women living in Ghadames. The stark contrasts between men and women’s dress, activities, transportation, and relationships are thoroughly examined and questioned from Malika’s point of view. Her strained relationship with her brother also reflects cultural values, since she is jealous that he is allowed to attend school and accompany their father throughout the city. As she gradually accepts her position in this society, the reader also begins to intimately understand her limitations and dreams. Toward the end of the novel, Malika’s mother allows her to learn how to read and her father acknowledges that times are changing. Even though Malika must be content with a more confined lifestyle, there is hope for more opportunities on the horizon.

Stolz also uses language to help readers connect to the Muslim culture. By using the correct terms for items of clothing (burnoose), objects (oud), and rituals (Tanit), the author immerses the reader in the cultural heritage of the characters. Even the names of the surrounding cities and the haunting descriptions of the harsh desert climate give children a definite sense of place.

The characters themselves are a vital part of this cultural landscape. Stolz frequently mentions the differences in skin color among the family members to make a statement about their origins and social position. Malika’s mother is the first wife from Ghadames, a woman of “high birth,” who has never left her home since her wedding, except to visit the baths when men are not in the streets. Women from their own city have a lighter complexion due to its northern location. Her father’s second wife has darker skin since she is from a city much further south across the desert. Even though the author never explicitly states the reason the second wife seems to have more freedom and is allowed to visit the palm grove celebration when the first wife can not attend, the reader can infer her increased mobility is due to her lower status as “the wife from the journey.” Regardless of skin color, all the members of the household share equally in goods and possessions. More curious is the relationship between the two wives who seem to live peacefully under the same roof. These cultural practices form the backdrop for Malika’s coming of age story.

The author has thoroughly researched the Muslim culture in present day Ghadames and her fictional story is an authentic reflection of the gender roles and segregated lifestyle that continued well into the twentieth century. Many of her interviewees enjoyed sharing their childhood stories about their days playing on the rooftops.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Booklist comments, “Stolz invigorates her tale with elegant prose and a deft portrayal of a girl verging on adolescence. 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.

School Library Journal writes, “This quiet story is notable for the intimate picture of the traditional Muslim world that it conveys.”

Reviews accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Ghadames-Mildred-Batchelder-Awards/dp/0385731043

CONNECTIONS
Other fictional books for young people about the Middle East and Northern Africa:
Carmi, Daniella. SAMIR AND YONATHAN. ISBN 0439135044.
Dalokay, Vedat. SISTER SHAKO AND KOLO THE GOAT: MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD IN TURKEY. ISBN 0688132715.
Nye, Naomi Shehab. HABIBI. ISBN 0689825234.
Staples, Suzanne F. SHABANU, DAUGHTER OF THE WIND. ISBN 0679810307.

Submitted by Kim