Independent-minded Sibylla Spencer feels trapped in nineteenth-century London, where her strong will and progressive views have rendered her unmarriageable. Still single at twenty-three, she is treated like a child and feels stifled in her controlling father’s house.When Benjamin Hopkins, an ambitious employee of her father’s trading company, shows an interest in her, she realizes marriage is her … marriage is her only chance to escape. As Benjamin’s rising career whisks them both away to exotic Morocco, Sibylla is at last a citizen of the world, reveling in her newfound freedom by striking her first business deals, befriending locals…and falling in love for the first time with a charismatic and handsome Frenchman.
But Benjamin’s lust for money and influence draws him into dark dealings, pulling him ever further from Sibylla and their two young sons. When he’s arrested on horrible charges, the fate of Sibylla’s family rests on her shoulders, as she must decide whether she’ll leave him to his fate or help him fight for his life.
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I couldn’t resist the allure of this book – the cover, the description, the intrigue of being swept away to an exotic, unfamiliar land. While the story about an independent-thinking London woman marrying the wrong man in hopes of adventure in Morocco initially had my attention, I didn’t experience the anticipated magnetism or originality. The desert setting with caravans, sheiks, scarved women, concubines, belly dancers, exotic foods and spiced teas just lacked, well, a little spice. What this book has done, is made me more curious, especially about the Berber and its confederation. In an ever-modernizing world, the culture of the oldest known inhabitants is fascinating and exotic in itself.
Truly wonderful read, very entertaining, great plot and terrific characters. Both tragic and romantic action that spans two generations, I couldn’t put this thriller down.
I loved this book and learned a lot about the culture of Morocco from it.
Rating: MA (Mature Audience)
The sexual content is handled tastefully, and we are not subjected to explicit detail, but there’s little question about what’s going on.
The violence is not overwhelming. I would think that it could be shown on prime time TV.
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Plot:
NO SPOILERS
Set in the mid-1800’s a young English woman and her husband set out for Morocco. The husband has been chosen to work in his father-in-law’s import/export business there.
While he maintains the attitude that the Europeans are superior in every way to the Muslims, Jews, and other ethnic groups, she not only learns about them, but makes lasting friendships. Over time she earns respect in the eyes of those who know her.
From the beginning we suspect, rightly so, that the husband is not a good person. His disregard for others, his choices, and his actions bring about near disaster for his wife and children. She, however, being of strong character, perseveres, becoming an admirable businesswoman.
The story is very well written. Some reviewers complained about the translation. I never EVER noticed anything unusual or distracting about the flow of words or storytelling in general. In fact, I found the descriptions fascinating and the detail about daily life in a Muslim country in those days enlightening.
Recommended. Absolutely.
A quick, easy read. Good character development.
The book is very entertaining; however, it does not have as much depth as I appreciate in a book. It also is somewhat educational in that it give a view of life in Morocco during the 19th century, including cultural and religious conflicts between Arabs and Christians. The book ends with somewhat of a blending of the two groups with the wedding of an Arab man and a Christian woman.
I believed I was in the household and watched the family live their lives.
This is a book that I could not put down. The author weaved this tale, causing one to quickly keep turning pages. Independent women will recognize the strength of the novel’s Sabylla; intelligent, with a good head for business. They’ll detest her ostentatiou, primp if a husband. Going to live in mysterious Morrocco begins a tale of three generations.Dn’t miss this great read!
A woman’s great adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author’s writing skills. Interesting from start to finish.
It’s 1835, and Sibylla Spencer is a twenty-three-year-old from a wealthy London family who can’t wait to get away from the conventional world in which she was raised. Her ticket away from England comes in the form of marrying Benjamin Hopkins, her father’s ambitious young employee, who is being transferred to take care of the business’s foreign imports in Morocco. She soon awes the people of her new surroundings with her blonde hair (“like that of a desert lioness”, they call it) and her ready wit and sharp business acumen. When Sibylla meets Andre, a French emigré who shares her passions, there is an instant connection – one that will last through decades of much change in Morocco.
Not knowing much about Morocco or its history, I was intrigued to learn more while reading about Sibylla’s exploits there. The action of the plot spans decades to the time when she is a grandmother, and the reader can see that she is a phenomenal and unique woman, still most comfortable when challenging societal norms. Issues of class, gender, and relations between those of different religions and cultures are all woven into the fabric of this delightful story.
In this novel, you’ll find history, romance, and suspense – with twists and turns you definitely don’t see coming! For a thrilling and unique read, try this one out!