A literary yet realistic account of the events that lead to the 'Jasmine Revolution' in Tunisia. It recreates both the social and political ambiance in the country and creates a realistic portrait of the spark who started the dramatic changes, Mohamed Bouazizi, who in an act of desperation decided to self-immolate in the public square in order to acknowledge the hopeless situation of young people in the country. An interesting account, especially for those looking to understand the situation in Tunisia at the time.

<p>If ever there was a story that needed no introduction, here it is: <A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/17812669/book/142990346">By Fire</a>, which actually comprises the back third of this slim volume. So let's talk about that story, a fictional rendering of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_of_Mohamed_Bouazizi">Mohamed Bouazizi</a>'s last few days of life. And yes, usually when something needs <i>no introduction</i> it doesn't need me to wikipedia link to it, but the reason that <i>By Fire</i> needs no introduction is because, by itself, it is a stand-alone, super-good, well-written novella. It is literature, in all the universal definitions that I'm sure someone taught me in high school but that I didn't pay attention to. </p>

<p>Of course, because that's the way my life works, there is an introduction: a meandering, fan-girl (which I totally understand: Tahar Ben Jelloun seems like a freakin' amazing author) all-over-the-place discussion of how the translator literally found the story (in a bookshop, in France), Tunisian history, reading her translation at SUNY Buffalo, her students reactions, why the story is meaningful, Ben Jelloun's life, etc. Basically, the book starts with a whole slew of disorganized thoughts that I suppose are relevant, but why not let the story tell them first? Why not put <i>By Fire</i> at the beginning and the <i>Translator's Thoughts</i> at the end, a digestif rather than apéritif? </p>

<p>Middle-third: excerpts from some of Ben Jelloun's other writings (non-fiction) regarding the Arab Spring. It could stay in the middle, as long as the beginning (Translator's Note) and the ending (By Fire) switch places. But really, I would have been happy to just read <i>By Fire</i>, the story, and forget about the other critical-context bits. I can look those up on my own.</p>

<p><A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/17812669/book/142990346">By Fire</a> by Tahar Ben Jelloun went on sale June 15, 2016.</p>

<p><small>I received a copy free from <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a> in exchange for an honest review.</small></p>