61 pages • 2 hours read
The Moor's Account
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Northern America • 1520s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami is a fictionalized memoir of Mustafa, an African man who becomes one of the few survivors of the Narváez expedition to the New World. Through flashbacks and first-person narration, Mustafa recounts his life from North Africa to his enslavement, survival through numerous ordeals, integration with native tribes, and ultimate quest for freedom. The book includes depictions of slavery, violence, and famine.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Gritty
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
14,971 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Laila Lalami's The Moor's Account has garnered praise for its compelling storytelling and rich historical detail. The protagonist's voice and perspective are refreshing, offering a unique take on the colonial era. Criticisms include occasional slow pacing and overly descriptive passages, but overall, it is lauded as an engrossing and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Moor's Account?
A reader who enjoys The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami is captivated by historical fiction with rich, diverse perspectives. Ideal for fans of The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, they appreciate nuanced narratives about survival, identity, and cultural intersections.
14,971 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dorantes
Dorantes
Dorantes is a Castilian gentleman who buys Mustafa and seeks fame and fortune in the new world. He adopts native customs and marries a native woman but later abandons his family when he returns to New Spain. Despite promising Mustafa freedom, he never fulfills it.
Pánfilo de Narváez
Pánfilo de Narváez
Narváez is the leader of the expedition, known for his rash decisions and inflexible attitude. His quest for gold leads to the splintering and decimation of his crew. His actions set the expedition on a dangerous path.
Cabeza de Vaca
Cabeza de Vaca
Cabeza de Vaca is initially calm, earnest, and sincere. He sides with Narváez and later marries a native woman. As the highest-ranking survivor, he tells the official story of the expedition, altering details to present himself as a hero.
336
Novel • Fiction
Northern America • 1520s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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