The Bottom of the Jar Paperback by Abdellatif Laabi (Author), Andre Naffis-Sahely (Translator) (Archipelago)

I became interested in this book because I read that the author, Abdellatif Laâbi, is a renowned award winning poet of Moroccan descent. This is his first book.

Because I have so very little knowledge of the place, history, customs & people of this region I believe that some of the nuances escaped me. Also, I believe that sometimes the cadence of an author's words is lost in translation & this is a translation from French.

Still, there were many elements that I found interesting & enjoyable.

It is a memoir of Abdellatif Laâbi's youth in Fez, Morocco, told (in part) through the eyes of Namouss (an alter ego?). At 7 years old Namouss describes his early days in school discovering his love of books & words; he recounts escapades with friends & personal tales of the vibrant characters found in the alleyways of Fez at that time.

Abdellatif Laâbi shares a vivid reflection of his family:

Most notable is Ghita, his mother, who often expresses herself with pronouncements of pure wisdom, never afraid to speak her mind. Her first experience at the movies is a witty example of her authentic self.

Driss, his father, whose motto is: "There should never be any leftovers after you've eaten." And mysterious Uncle Adbelkader, nicknamed Touissa, who was `deaf as a doorknob' but a talented story-teller.

Of special interest is the author's explanation for the title of this book: "The origins of this expression can be traced back to an anecdote by the famous Joha, a mythical Mediterranean master of practical jokes." (Pg.220).