Rabat – British-Moroccan author Soraya Bouazzaoui has released her debut novel “Aicha,” a historical fantasy inspired by Moroccan folklore and the country’s resistance against Portuguese rule.
Published by Orbit Books, the novel is set in 18th-century Morocco in the days leading up to a decisive siege to reclaim a Portuguese-occupied coastal stronghold.
It follows Aicha, the daughter of a blacksmith and resistance fighter, as she navigates life under occupation while preparing for the battle that could change her city’s future.
Drawing from the legend of Aicha Kandicha, one of Morocco’s most recognizable mythical figures, Bouazzaoui reimagines the folklore through a fantasy lens.
Rather than portraying the legendary spirit as a traditional monster, the novel explores themes of inherited trauma, resilience, and the emotional toll of colonial violence.
Alongside its supernatural elements, Aicha places strong emphasis on Moroccan culture and identity.
Islamic traditions, Darija expressions, and local customs are woven throughout the narrative without extensive explanation, offering an authentic cultural perspective within the fantasy genre.
The novel also balances its darker themes with relationships centered on family, friendship, and love, examining how hope and humanity endure even during conflict.
