logo

58 pages 1 hour read

Tahar Ben Jelloun

The Sand Child

Tahar Ben JellounFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Tahar Ben Jelloun

The Sand Child

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Morocco • Mid-20th Century

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Challenging

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.7

3,877 ratings

48%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

20%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Tahar Ben Jelloun's The Sand Child is lauded for its lyrical prose and profound exploration of gender identity within a traditional Moroccan setting. Critics appreciate its rich storytelling and cultural insights. However, some find its nonlinear narrative and complex symbolism challenging. Overall, it is heralded as a thought-provoking literary work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Sand Child?

A reader who relishes The Sand Child by Tahar Ben Jelloun likely enjoys introspective, culturally rich narratives that navigate themes of gender identity and societal norms. Ideal for fans of Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things, this novel speaks to those intrigued by complex characters and lyrical prose.

3.7

3,877 ratings

48%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

20%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Morocco • Mid-20th Century

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.