Secret Son

December 22, 2008
Lalami's unpolished first novel (after story collection Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits
) follows Youssef El Mekki, a 19-year-old living in the slums of Casablanca who learns that his father—believed to be dead—is alive. The news precipitates Youssef's quest to find his father, who turns out to be the rich, well-connected businessman Nabil Amrani. The two meet just as a rift has developed between Nabil and his daughter, Amal, who is studying in America. Once Nabil invites Youssef back into his life, Youssef suddenly has all the luxuries he has ever dreamed about: a new apartment in the best neighborhood and a decent job. But just as quickly, it is all taken away, and when Youssef returns to his old neighborhood—now the headquarters of a fringe Islamist group—he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. Unfortunately, Lalami riddles the book with uninspired descriptions and observations; Youssef and Nabril are less than distinctive; and the climax lacks impact. It all seems perfunctory.

Starred review from January 15, 2009
The tragic loss of hope is the theme of this powerful debut novel from Morocco-born Lalami, author of the highly regarded story collection "Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits". University student Youssef El-Mekki studies English while living with his mother in the squalid slums of Hay An Najat. The handsome, blue-eyed Youssef has always been told that his father is dead. But when he comes across a photo of Nabil Amrani, a wealthy businessman who looks just like him, Youssef immediately realizes that this man truly is his father. Youssef reunites with Nabil and is given a job at Nabil's luxury hotel, and he thinks his future is secure. But his mother intervenes, leaving him jobless, and he is eventually recruited by a fundamentalist group to assassinate an outspoken journalist. The culture and politics of contemporary Morocco are well displayed in this beautifully written tale, with the talented Lalami deftly portraying Youssef's struggles for identity, work, and family. A brilliant story of alienation and desperation that easily transports readers to hot, dusty Casablanca; highly recommended.Lisa Rohrbaugh, New Middletown, OH

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2009
Moroccan-born Lalami offers a novel set in her native land. The protagonist is a young man of very meager circumstances living with his widowed mother in Casablanca while he attends college as an English major. The citys ancient streets teem with political unrest, but Youssef seems disconnected. His thoughts are haunted by the loss of his father in a freak accident when Youssef was an infant. Shocked by his doting mothers precipitous confession that he is not the son of her late husband, Youssef determines to find his real father, who turns out to be a successful local businessman. The man sets up Youssef in a chic apartment, quite a contrast to the slum Youssef has called home. But such a sudden turn of fortune cannot endure a time of turmoil.A story brimming with insight into the complexities of life in contemporary Morocco.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

March 30, 2009
Lalami's unpolished first novel (after story collection Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits) follows Youssef El Mekki, a 19-year-old living in the slums of Casablanca who learns that his father\x97believed to be dead\x97is alive. The news precipitates Youssef's quest to find his father, who turns out to be the rich, well-connected businessman Nabil Amrani. The two meet just as a rift has developed between Nabil and his daughter, Amal, who is studying in America. Once Nabil invites Youssef back into his life, Youssef suddenly has all the luxuries he has ever dreamed about: a new apartment in the best neighborhood and a decent job. But just as quickly, it is all taken away, and when Youssef returns to his old neighborhood\x97now the headquarters of a fringe Islamist group\x97he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. Unfortunately, Lalami riddles the book with uninspired descriptions and observations; Youssef and Nabril are less than distinctive; and the climax lacks impact. It all seems perfunctory.