66 pages • 2 hours read
Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood
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Book Brief
242
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Morocco • 1940s
1994
Adult
15+ years
1230L
Super Short Summary
First published in 1994, Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood is Fatema Mernissi’s memoir of growing up in a harem in 1940s Fez, Morocco. The book, told through a series of reflections and recollections, explores young Fatema's efforts to understand the concept of a harem amid political upheaval and restricted freedoms, and her aspiration for a world without the separation of men and women. The narrative addresses themes related to gender roles, cultural traditions, and the struggle for women’s rights.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Emotional
Informative
Reviews & Readership
6,302 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Fatema Mernissi's Dreams of Trespass offers a captivating glimpse into the author's childhood in a Moroccan harem. Praised for its lyrical prose and cultural insights, readers appreciate the vivid depiction of women's lives. However, some critics find the memoir's pace slow and its narrative structure fragmented. Overall, it's a rich and evocative read that illuminates a unique cultural perspective.
Who Should Read Dreams of Trespass?
Readers who appreciate Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi will enjoy Dreams of Trespass by Fatema Mernissi. This memoir resonates with those interested in women's rights, Middle Eastern culture, and personal narratives of defiance within traditional societies.
6,302 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Fatima’s Mother
Fatima’s Mother
An advocate for equality and freedom, she influences her daughter's perspective on gender roles and inspires Fatima to pursue education and personal growth despite societal constraints.
Fatima’s Father
Fatima’s Father
A landowner who balances his progressive beliefs with traditional practices, he supports Fatima's education while maintaining the harem lifestyle for his household.
Lalla Mani
Lalla Mani
Fatima's paternal grandmother who staunchly defends traditional roles for women, representing the resistance to change within the family.
Aunt Habiba
Aunt Habiba
Fatima's divorced aunt who resides in the harem, known for her powerful storytelling that captivates and inspires the other women, including Fatima.
Cousin Chama
Cousin Chama
A dramatic and expressive teenager, she uses acting to explore themes of freedom and resistance, influencing Fatima with her performances and rituals.
Grandmother Yasmina
Grandmother Yasmina
Fatima's maternal grandmother who lives on a rural farm, demonstrating a rebellious spirit and teaching Fatima about seeking freedom within cultural constraints.
Samir
Samir
Fatima's cousin, born on the same day as her, representing a close childhood companion whose experiences highlight gender differences as they grow older.
Tamou
Tamou
A co-wife in Yasmina's household and a former war heroine known for her unique appearance and behavior, challenging traditional female roles.
Mina
Mina
A former slave turned cook in Fatima's harem, whose story of resilience and inner strength provides Fatima with a model of overcoming adversity.
242
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Morocco • 1940s
1994
Adult
15+ years
1230L
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