The Shadows of Ghadames by Joelle Stolz

The Shadows of Ghadames

By: Joelle Stolz

Image Credit: The Shadows of Ghadames at Kirkus Reviews

1.      Bibliography

Stolz, Joelle. The Shadows of Ghadames. Yearling, 1999. ISBN 0-385-73104-3

2.      Plot Summary

A Muslim child poised on the threshold of adulthood comes to understand that her world is less constrained than she supposes. Bolstered by centuries of custom, the streets of the Libyan city of Ghadames are considered men’s territory, while, with limited exceptions, the women are confined to the connected rooftops. Though Malika has the freedom of those rooftops, she yearns for more: to travel with her merchant father, to learn to read, to see what lies beyond the heavy veils and limited roles that women are expected to assume. But she gets startling insight into just how powerful and complex that woman’s world is when, with her father away on business, his two wives defy law and morality by sheltering a wounded fugitive in the house (From Kirkus Reviews).

3.      Critical Analysis

Set at the end of the nineteenth century in a southern Libyan town, Malika’s story gives a glimpse of what life was like for a young Muslim girl in a time where girls were restricted to limited interactions with the world. The story feels authentic to the part of the world and time period in which the story occurs.  It reflects those experiences of Muslim girls in a time period over a hundred years ago.  And, is still being experienced around the world by some central Asian cultures in remote villages today.  The story is told, not about good and evil characters but just shows the characters in their truth.

The story is historically significant for the time period in which it is told but could also be true for Muslim girls, in parts of the world, today.  It also shows what life is like in the deserts of the Middle East/central Asian cultures.

Originally written in French in 1999 and translated by Catherine Temerson in 2004. Muslim American girls could see some similarities, in the culture, religion, gender roles and customs depicted in the book.  The book is steeped in Muslim culture, tradition and values.

This book could spark good conversation about the customs, tradition, values, beliefs and gender roles of the Muslim culture.  It invites reflection and response about Muslims, not only around the world, but more specifically here in the United States.

4.      Review Experts

~Winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award

~ALA Notable Book

~Booklist (March 2011): Editor’s Choice. “Stolz invigorates her tale with elegant prose and a deft portrayed of a girl verging on adolescence.  The vivid backdrop is intoxicating, but the story’s universal concerns will touch readers most.”

~Kirkus Reviews (May 2010): "Setting her tale at the end of the 19th century, Stolz not only weaves the sights, sounds, and daily rhythms of life in Ghadames into a vivid tapestry, she creates a cast of distinct characters, each of which displays a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, as well as sometimes unexpected intelligence and compassion."

5.      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 Kola 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.

~ This novel could be useful in comparing and contrasting other ancient cultures' expectations for women. Debate could be utilized to discuss the merits of a world dominated by men vs. one where women are more equal.

~Could be used to discuss the similarities and difference of Muslim culture in other parts of the world and in the United States.

Wormser, Richard. American Islam: Growing Up Muslim in America. ISBN 0756784239

Brown, Tricia. Salaam: A Muslim American Boy's Story. ISBN 0805065385

Beshir, Sumaiya. Everyday Struggles: The Stories of Muslim Teens. ISBN 1590080300