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A House in Fez
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Product Description
Book Description
Building a new life in Morocco: one couple's extraordinary story of restoring a dilapidated traditional riad to its original splendour
Product Description
When Suzanna Clarke and her husband bought a dilapidated house in the Moroccan town of Fez, their friends thought they were mad. Located in a maze of donkey-trod alleyways, the house - a traditional riad - was beautiful but in desperate need of repair. Walls were in danger of collapse, the plumbing non-existent. While neither Suzanna nor her husband spoke Arabic, and had only a smattering of French, they were determined to restore the building to its original splendour, using only traditional craftsmen and handmade materials. But they soon found that trying to do business in Fez was like being transported back several centuries in time and so began the remarkable experience that veered between frustration, hilarity and moments of pure exhilaration.
But restoring the riad was only part of their immersion in the rich and colourful life of this ancient city. A House in Fez is a journey into Moroccan culture, revealing its day-to-day rhythms, its customs and festivals; its history, Islam, and Sufi rituals; the lore of djinns and spirits; the vibrant life-filled market places and the irresistible Moroccan cuisine. And above all, into the lives of the people - warm, friendly, and hospitable.
Beautifully descriptive and infused with an extraordinary sense of place, this is a compelling account of one couple's adventures in ancient Morocco.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in Morocco.This book is about two foreigners who decide to buy an old house in the medina in Fez and bring it back to its former glory. The author uses her knowledge of Moroccan culture and history as she writes. She is honest but not condesending. She writes about the people she meets along the way. I read it before I went back to Morocco and it made me very keen to go back. I would love to read more from this author.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Bought 21 Apr 2009 - Amazon Christmas vouchers
Suzanna and her partner, Australians in Morocco for a holiday, throw all caution to the wind and decide to buy a dilapidated house in Fez and do it up. The usual trials and tribulations ensue. Clarke tries to be fair, balancing her annoyance at being used and diddled with an understanding of how she seems rich and probably foolish to the residents. They obviously care about community and history, and are pleased when their undertakings are praised by those in the know. It does seem slightly an advert for their Moroccan blog, but then this isn't pushed at the end of the book, so I'll take it as an interesting and well-done narrative of their time in Fez.
Suzanna and her partner, Australians in Morocco for a holiday, throw all caution to the wind and decide to buy a dilapidated house in Fez and do it up. The usual trials and tribulations ensue. Clarke tries to be fair, balancing her annoyance at being used and diddled with an understanding of how she seems rich and probably foolish to the residents. They obviously care about community and history, and are pleased when their undertakings are praised by those in the know. It does seem slightly an advert for their Moroccan blog, but then this isn't pushed at the end of the book, so I'll take it as an interesting and well-done narrative of their time in Fez.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Since reading this book we've been dreaming of buying our own riad in Fez. Suzanne Clarke tells it as it is - warts and all - and she shares her delights and frustrations every step of the way. Reaching this amazing destination, many of the people and places mentioned in the book are easily identifiable - not least the excellent Clock Cafe - a modern day meeting place for hungry travellers. It's a book for the adventurous, and for those who prefer to do their travelling from the comfort of an easy chair.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
An enjoyable read
This was an interesting account of somebody brave enough to up sticks and set up a new life in Morocco renovating an ancient dwelling practically from scratch. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Aunty Pog
A house in Fez
I picked this book up in library and mistakenly thought it was a thriller. When I started to read I found it fascinating and decided to buy it to share with friends. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Normina
Morocco, an interesting story
I bought this book having just taken my visit visit to Marrakech - never having been to Morocco before. It was such a well written account of life in the Medina. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mrs. T. R. Phillips
A House in Fez
A fantastic book , a must if you are going there or if you have all ready been .
Published on 10 May 2010 by Kitch
A celebration of the rich
cultural diversity of Morocco and a sympathetic portrayal of the local characters makes this book stand out from the others about buying a house in Morocco. Read more
Published on 24 Aug 2008 by R Morrell
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