On Under the Tripoli Sky

I really like this book. I think some writers are right that the novella meanders a lot, but I don’t at all agree that it’s pointless. In fact, it reminds me a lot of Selim Boughedir’s 1990 film, Halfaouine. Basically, Ben Hameda gives us a window into women’s spaces (which are profoundly gendered) through the lens of a young boy in 1960. Because he’s young, and not yet a man, he doesn’t fit in men’s spaces. However, the main character, Hadachinou, is very clearly undergoing a sexual awakening (not unlike Noura at the hammam in Halfaouine) and, as a result, is at the cusp of transitioning from men’s spaces to women’s spaces. Hadachinou is having a difficult time with these adjustments, and we’re along for the ride.

While this novella is by no means profound, it is worth taking time with and I’m glad I spent a few hours to get through it.