This book is a waste of paper. It is extremely hard to follow and it actually puts me to sleep when I read it.

I started reading this book with the expectation that I would learn about women in a culture totally different than mine. Instead, I read the story of a lusty, rich, worldly woman with no sense of morality. Then it gets incredibly dry as the author launches into a historical story from the middle ages. Very boring, and I heartily do NOT recommend this book.

I read the book without knowing what the subject would be. I was happy to find the same style Assia Djebar has acustomed us with. True I didn't see myself in the main character but I could see Algerian women of pre and post-revolution, mostly the city women. I don't think that this book gives a picture of another culture like the previous previewer was hoping to find. Also, the book was translated from French. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading about an Algeria that is not darkened by the stereotype of today, fundamentalist, terrorist...

I am somewhat inclined to agree with the other reviewers over this one. As a western journalist who has visited Algeria many times over the last few years I can understand why it over-simplifies the case. I am often in a position where I am asked about Algeria and my usual response is to make people understand that it is a situation which is very complex and does not give in to the type of analysis which is common among some journalists.I am afraid to say that this book also belongs to the same category of journalism which starts off with an approach containing a series of assumptions which are then not substantiated with good analysis.

R.Wakeman

The book starts witha promising introduction but falls into serious errors concerning the political climate in Algeria. As an Algerian, the author appears to have his head in the clouds and his commentary is shot through with a basic naievete about the affairs governing Algeria. A very poor attempt at poltical analysis.