Kafka in Tangier

"Kafka in Tangier" is a contemporary Moroccan novel that masterfully weaves magical realism, absurdity, and postmodernism to provide a fresh take on Kafka's Metamorphosis. Delving into themes of transformation, alienation, and control, this captivating tale follows Jawad Al-Idrisi, a disillusioned teacher whose unrealized dreams of becoming a literary critic take an unexpected turn when he awakens as a monstrous creature. As he grapples with his new reality, Jawad is forced to confront his family's hidden truths and the oppressive structures of modern society.

Jawad Al-Idrisi relinquishes his literary aspirations to become a teacher, burdened by a callous father who shows no remorse for his neglect. Despite Jawad's tireless efforts to support his family, his life takes a surreal twist when he awakens as a grotesque, odorous creature, sparking chaos in their home and community. His transformation leads to his dismissal, plunging the family into hardship. Hind, Jawad's devoted sister, bears the brunt of their misfortune, caring for her brother and their home while being forced by her father to abandon her education and work at a café to make ends meet. Tragically, her resilience begins to wane.

Jawad's compelling story unfolds through multiple perspectives: first, from his own viewpoint as a hideous monster; second, from his mother's perspective as she seeks to free her son from his "curse"; third, from his father's viewpoint; and finally, from his younger sister's perspective, captured through intimate diary entries. By devoting narrative space to each character involved in this series of unfortunate events, the novel invites readers to contemplate the situation from diverse angles. Each character's chapter delves into their background and provides insights into their lives - their identity, origins, and the circumstances that have shaped them - lending the characters a vivid, three-dimensional quality.