'Ushshāq Kāzāblānkā: Arabic 2024

Les Amants de Casablanca by Tahar Ben Jelloun is a novel that explores love, betrayal, and societal expectations in modern Morocco. The story follows Nabile and Lamia, a seemingly stable couple who have built a life together in Casablanca after meeting in Paris. However, their marriage is shaken when Lamia falls for Daniel, a mysterious and seductive figure. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Nabile and Lamia, offering a deep exploration of desire, marriage, and personal freedom. It examines the constraints of tradition, the complexities of relationships, and the struggles of women seeking independence in a patriarchal society. Inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage, Ben Jelloun presents a raw and intimate portrait of a couple navigating love and loss in a rapidly changing world.