A Year in Marrakesh

By Peter Mayne

Book Overview

Having learned to appreciate Muslim life while living in Pakistan, Peter Mayne settled down to live in the back streets of Marrakesh in the 1950s. Rather than watch from the shelter of a hotel terrace, he rented rooms, learned the language, made friends and became embroiled in conspiratorial picnics, hashish-laced dinners and in the enchantments and misunderstandings of the street, with its festivals, love affairs, potions and gossip. By turns used, abused and cherished by his neighbours, Mayne wrote their letters for them and captured the essence of their lives in this affectionate and hilarious account.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0907871089
• ISBN13: 9780907871088
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Eland Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.6" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A Classic !

there is a reason that this book is in print after 55 years and that is that it is a classic. the french no longer rule morocco, tourism has overrun marrakesh, two kings have come and gone, but this book continues to be read. why? for its light, compassionate touch. this was the only book that peter mayne wrote about morocco (he was wounded in an attack on a cafe in the events leading up to the ousting of the french and independence for the moroccan people). it is a fun read.

A book that makes me jealous

Oh to be able to relocate to an exotic city and write for an occupation! That's what occurs in "A Year in Marrakesh". While other English citizens are touring Morocco, Peter Mayne relocated there, to become a part of the city of Marrakesh and to come to know it. There are many lively characters here, painted with a comprehensive brush that shows them to be, if not real people, than so realistic seeming that you never find yourself saying, "Yeah, right, like you'd actually meet someone like that." Also, this book give a gentle entry into the mindset of average Muslim people. This book will not shake your world-view, but it may give you the hankering to pick up stakes and relocate for a year or more. And isn't that what good travel literature is supposed to do?