“Travelling – it gives you home in thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land.”
Morocco, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes and vibrant cities like Marrakech and Fes, has inspired countless authors. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling markets, serene deserts or its ancient history, there’s no shortage of books set in Morocco that capture the spirit of this North African gem. From novels set in Morocco to fiction set against the backdrop of Marrakech, these stories provide a window into the country’s diverse experiences. Today at What We Reading, we’re fuelling your wanderlust with the best Moroccan literature that ranges from contemporary tales to historical fiction. Each book promises a unique perspective, whether it’s through the tangled streets of the country’s cities or the peaceful tranquillity of the Atlas Mountains. So, if you’re looking for the best Moroccan books to read, this collection of tales offers a magical escape into a land of adventure, intrigue and astonishing beauty.
The Last Storytellers: Tales From The Heart Of Morocco – Richard L. Hamilton
First up on our list of the best books set in Morocco comes from Richard Hamilton with The Last Storytellers. In it, Hamilton immerses readers in the country’s rich cultural heritage by charting the lives of its remaining storytellers. Set against the backdrop of Morocco’s bustling markets and vibrant cities, the book explores the delicate art of storytelling, which is passed down from generation to generation. Through personal interviews with storytellers, Hamilton captures the magic of their tales, which range from fables and folk legends to personal anecdotes, all firmly rooted in Moroccan history and culture.
The Last Storytellers not only celebrates the storytelling craft but also reflects on the broader societal changes occurring in Morocco as modernity threatens to wipe out these ancient traditions. By weaving together the voices of various storytellers, Hamilton paints a portrait of a rapidly changing world where oral tradition must fight to survive.
The Sheltering Sky – Paul Bowles
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles is a haunting and introspective novel set against the vast and desolate landscapes of North Africa, particularly Morocco. The story centres on three Americans – Port, his wife, Kit, and their friend, George, as they traverse through the Sahara Desert in an attempt to escape from their inner personal demons. As they move deeper into the unfamiliar and harsh terrain, the group wrestles with psychological and physical challenges that put their resilience and relationships to the test.
Bowles’ novel is a reflection on existential themes, exploring the isolation and alienation of the characters in a foreign land. The vast, unforgiving desert becomes a metaphor for their internal struggles and search for meaning. The story’s atmospheric style captures their sense of disorientation. The Sheltering Sky remains a poignant look at human vulnerability set against the backdrop of Morocco’s stark and enigmatic beauty.
The Caliph’s House: A Year In Casablanca – Tahir Shah
Tahir Shah’s The Caliph’s House is an engaging memoir about the author’s journey to Morocco, where he buys a run-down mansion in Casablanca with the goal of restoring it to its former glory. This house, known as the Caliph’s House, comes with a proud history and a number of challenges, including an eccentric array of local characters and a series of cultural clashes that make for a fascinating narrative. Shah’s account blends humour, cultural observations and personal reflections as he grapples with the quirks of Moroccan life, the intricacies of home renovation and the country’s spiritual and social landscapes.
Through his journey, Shah recounts his own personal transformation and the deep connections he feels for the people around him. The Caliph’s House is both a travelogue and a meditation on the challenges of adapting to a new culture whilst attempting to preserve your own identity. With its warm insights and amusing explorations of the differences between West and East, it is one of the best books set in Morocco for seeing tradition, modernity and culture in the country.
Hope And Other Dangerous Pursuits – Laila Lalami
Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Laila Lalami is a compelling novel that explores the lives of four Moroccan individuals who set out on a perilous journey to Europe in search of a better life for themselves. Set against the backdrop of Morocco’s socio-political landscape, the book delves into the group’s personal struggles, dreams, and sacrifices as they are confronted with the dangers of illegal immigration.
The narrative weaves together the stories of these characters as their paths intersect on a boat journey across the Mediterranean. Lalami’s prose is poignant and evocative, exploring themes of hope, desperation, identity and the human cost of migration. Undoubtedly one of the most influential Morocco books of all time, Lalami’s work is a homage to the search for a better life and the sacrifices that often accompany it.
A House In Fez: Building A Life In The Ancient Heart Of Morocco – Suzanna Clarke
A House in Fez is a captivating memoir set in Morocco by British expat Suzanna Clarke. The story opens with Clarke relocating to the city of Fez with her husband and setting out to restore a traditional riad in the heart of Morocco’s ancient medina. As she navigates the challenges of renovating the house, Clarke also becomes deeply immersed in the complexities of Moroccan culture, traditions and the rhythms of life within Fez.
The book blends travelogue, memoir and cultural history, offering a rich portrait of life in one of Morocco’s most storied cities. Clarke’s reflections on the process of home restoration mirror her emotional and spiritual journey as she navigates the contrasts between her Western upbringing and the customs of Morocco. A House in Fez is another one of the best Morocco books for exploring the intersections between place, identity and the search for belonging in a foreign land.
Adventures In Morocco: From The Souks To The Sahara – Alice Morrison
Seasoned traveller Alice Morrison takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the rich history, bustling souks and stark beauty of the Saharan Desert, offering a personal account of her adventures in one of the world’s most fascinating countries in Adventures in Morocco.
From the labyrinth markets of Marrakech to the remote Berber villages and the vast dunes of the desert, Morrison throws herself into the sights, sounds and traditions of Morocco. She meets a range of colourful characters, from local craftsmen to nomads, all whilst confronting the challenges of traversing a foreign land. Adventures in Morocco is more than just another travelogue; it is a reflection on the deep connections between people, landscapes and cultures. Morrison’s vivid storytelling and astute observations help make this one of the best books set in Morocco for anyone looking to understand the heart of the country and the spirit of adventure.
Tangerine – Christine Mangan
Set in the exotic Moroccan city of Tangier in the 1950s, Christine Mangan’s gripping psychological thriller, Tangerine, follows the twisted relationship between two American women, Alice and Lucy, who reconnect after years of being apart. Alice, recently wed and new to the city, is drawn into the glamour and mystery of Lucy’s life, but soon finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit, obsession and dark secrets.
As the story unfolds, the lines between friendship and rivalry blur, and Alice starts questioning all she’s learned about Lucy and herself. The atmosphere of Tangier, with its nauseating blend of danger, allure and intrigue serves as the perfect backdrop to this tale of manipulation and betrayal. Mangan’s writing is rich with tension and suspense, exploring themes of identity, madness and the lengths people will go to for love and control.
Dreams Of Trespass: Tales Of A Harem Girlhood – Fatema Mernissi
Dreams of Trespass by Fatema Mernissi is a powerful and evocative memoir that offers an intimate look into the life of a young girl growing up in a traditional Moroccan harem. Through the lens of her childhood memories, Mernissi provides a nuanced portrayal of the women in her family and their complex relationships with the constraints of gender, tradition and societal expectations.
The book pulls together stories of resilience, rebellion and dreams of freedom as Mernissi meditates on the role of women in Moroccan society and the wider Arab world. As she charts her experiences in the harem, Mernissi delves into the oppressive dynamics of patriarchal life while also celebrating the strength and ingenuity of the women who inhabited it. Dreams of Trespass remains both a personal and cultural exploration, blending memoir, history and social commentary for one of the most moving books set in Morocco you can add to your TBR pile.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
