Rabat – Marsam has published a new French novel with the title “Douce Lumiere” (Sweet Light) by Moha Ennaji, marking his second French novel after 2017’s “L’olivier de la sagesse” (The Olive Tree of Wisdom).
The story is told through the tribulations in the life of its main character, Ahmed, a Moroccan living through the end of the French protectorate.
Ahmed, who was able to study and become a veterinarian while retaining his Amazigh identity, is told by his doctor that he is chronically ill, a revelation that comes at a time of big change for Morocco, which the novel explores through the protagonist’s point of view.
“This novel transmits Morocco to the rest of the world, from America to Europe and Africa,” a press release about the novel said, “It uses the language of the heart, sincerity, non-violence, the love of things and beings in the beautiful landscapes of Morocco: the Sahara, the Atlas and the Rif.”
The story aims to portray the human capability to be good, even in the face of adversity and tough circumstances.
“This novel makes us dream by reminding us that, despite our weaknesses, we are great, that we are capable of being great and generous.” the press release adds.
Moha Ennaji is also the head of the International Institute for Languages and Cultures in Fez and has had several publications in French, such as the aforementioned “The Olive Tree of Wisdom.”
He has also written numerous non-fiction works about sociological and international topics like “Muslim Moroccans in Europe” and “Gender and Violence in the Middle East,” in addition to writing several articles in journals, both in Morocco and internationally.