Super Short Summary

The Sand Child by Tahar Ben Jelloun follows the life of Ahmed, born female but raised as a boy by an authoritarian father in traditional patriarchal Moroccan society. The narrative, told through multiple storytellers and Ahmed's own writings, explores themes of gender identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom as Ahmed grapples with his forced male identity and the consequences of his father's decision. The novel addresses issues such as gender dysphoria, familial abuse, and mental health struggles.