Review by jimthorne2 -- Keys to Tetouan by Mois Benarroch

[jimthorne2]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Keys to Tetouan" by Mois Benarroch.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Keys to Tetouan
Mois Benarroch
Translated by Orna Taub

Benarroch invites the reader to discover the Keys to Tetouan. The search is a series of memories, letters, and childhood conversations. The book starts with a telephone call in 1996. The caller confesses, “I am going to Tetouan tomorrow.” Strong on thoughts and writer reflections, the book is weak on narrative. There is no easing into a narrative.

As is common in Benarroch, a struggle with identity permeates the novel. By tracing the history of the Benzimra family, Benarroch helps us value the heritage of a wandering Jewish family which, though scattered, is drawn to a city they long for yet find themselves attached to their culture in Tetouan. If you have read The Gates of Tangier, you have met the Benzimra family. There’s something authentically Jewish about the interludes where the mother addresses the questions of the child about their journeys and circumstances.

You have to be a detective to trace the history of the Jews of Tetouan because Benarroch inserts his historical tidbits as memories in the conversations recorded in this story. Fresh, lively dialogue is a ready vehicle in the hands of this master writer who fashions living characters, problems and solutions with memorable words. In a sense, this is a book about writing by an author who reflects on different things that happen when he writes, especially history. It is also a book about remembering and forgetting. I especially like the comment, “Fernando Benzimra, my son, don't forget what I can't remember,”

Benarroch introduces his traditional themes of Sephardic identity, Morocco, and life as a journey. The writing is intimately emotional with captivating dialogue. However, as a historical novel, Keys doesn’t measure up to the story level of Follett or Cornwell. He mentions the mercy of God and reflects on the exile as a measure of that mercy. His view of Judaism and Christianity are institutional rather than personal.

What I liked most about the book is the thoughtful reflection upon a family’s heritage and aspirations. The author honors a senior’s perspective on life pointing out that an older person may lie and forget some things. What I did not like about the book is the fragmentary scraps of history that fail to connect in a narrative that enlightens the reader. I appreciate the different perspectives the author writes from, but they are sometimes hard to follow. There is not much character development although the end of his story is captivating. Secondary characters and subplots are well used to keep the pace of the story interesting. The vivid description of Tetouan is probably the best discovery in this novel.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Jewish experience. Young readers will find some of the experiences of the characters assuring while older readers will identify with the rigors of old age. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The book was not rated 4 stars because of the lack of narrative and the number of typos found. The book is a valuable contribution to the reader’s understanding of the Jewish journey. As such, it is profitable to spend the time following the author’s constant shifting of attention from one subject to another.

I noticed 11 typographical errors in the book. Here is a list of the first four: momfirst – p.14; Spaniardscame, grandsonwhocarries - p. 25; thenthere – p. 29; youover – p. 35.

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Keys to Tetouan
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[Jaime Lync]

Great review. I really liked how you started it. Benarroch seems to always add a schizophrenic style to his work that makes it hard to know who is speaking at times. This can sometimes be appealing and sometimes not so much.

[jimthorne2]

You're right, Jaime. There is something there to appreciate but it gets confused with the writer's style.

[ChloeHumphreys]

I also rated this book a 3 out of 4 stars! I found it an enjoyable read, but it definitely had flaws. I really enjoyed learning your perspective on the novel also.

[jimthorne2]

I originally like Benarroch but his style got in the way of his writing. Can't we all learn from this?

[juliusotinyo]

I originally like Benarroch but his style got in the way of his writing. Can't we all learn from this?

The sheer fact you were able to complete reading through this book is commendable. I loved Benarroch in Gates to Tangier, but his other works have been unbearable. And especially this one.

[Jeremie Mondejar]

Jewish culture makes me excited to read more about them. Nice review. I will gonna try this book. It is just like I travel to their place while reading this one.

[pontiac21]

I liked the book. I thought it was a great read. It was a bit hard to follow at times because of it being all over the place. i"ll have to try his other book so maybe i can understand a little more about the story line.