2 out of 4 stars
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The Boy Who Sailed to Spain - this title offers the promise of adventure, hence I chose to review this book by Paul O'Garra. It is a short read under the other fiction genre.
Masuhun's family are Christians surrounded by a Muslim community. At first, they experience only slight persecution. Masuhun, being the intuitive boy he is, begins to take note that they are outsiders in their beloved hometown. His observations prove to be correct. His family is attacked by a mob. While trying to defend his family, Masuhun's father is beaten, and his attackers leave him on the brink of death. On his death bed, he appoints Masuhun to find “the place on the stone where the blessed mother comes” in order to ask for her protection. At just fifteen years of age, Masuhun leaves his North African home and embarks on a journey that turns him into a man.
Masuhun, despite enduring persecution from Muslims, acknowledges their good attributes. I really appreciated that about this book, it was fair. It showed that all groups, have both good and bad people. This balance was vital, as the book might have otherwise felt like mild propaganda.
The first chapter of the book had me engrossed. It is written simply and is descriptive. I was mesmerized by life in their North African hometown. I was taken through streets with cheerful Muslim merchants, who are ever smiling and ever kind, some in their own rough way. I wish the author's style of writing found in the first chapter had continued throughout the book. Sadly, the writing style soon became verbose. The descriptive element continued, although now, it was shrouded by unnecessary, highbrow diction. Slowly, my interest began to dwindle, by the last few chapters, reading this book had become a chore.
Again, I wish the author had kept a simple writing style. The message found in the book would have been clearer. The author points out how the abuse of technology is leading to our society’s moral decline. I found his demonstration of this message to be extreme, lewd scenes (which I was not expecting) where described to show the extent of this decline. The focus on Masuhun's quest was lost as this theme was developed, resulting in a disconnect from the protagonist.
To be fair, there are those who would enjoy this book. Free thinkers who enjoy new, radical ideas, would relish some of the concepts presented in the book. Therefore, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I was not glued to the pages, but I also did have the need to know how Masuhun's journey ends. I recommend this book to those who enjoy challenging concepts about society.
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The Boy Who Sailed To Spain
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you have me in stitches!
