What a powerful indictment of political repression this is, made all the more so by the calm and measured prose in which it is written. At age 20 in 1967 Tahar Ben Jelloun, a young Moroccan, was protesting peacefully when he was arrested by the Moroccan Army. He writes in terrible detail about his imprisonment under a brutal regime, a brutality that was unremitting and endemic in the system. This personal memoir of his years in prison is dark, chilling and disturbing but Jelloun’s courage shines through, as does his love of literature which gave him solace even at the worst of times. Now an acclaimed French novelty, essayist and poet, the trauma of those dreadful years is vividly described here to great effect and with not a word wasted. It’s an unforgettable book which I highly recommend.

What a fascinating and amazing read. It's at times horrifying and terrifying. It's a must read for any one who enjoys memoirs. Compulsive and readable. Very well done. Absolutely pick up this winner of a book and add it to your TBR stack.

Even though The Punishment was a rather short novel, it's quite good. Our main character is a protester, who after being sentenced, must spend time in a Moroccan prison. Even in the 60s, the conditions are deplorable and the cruelty inflicted upon our main character, and others, is shocking. There are plenty of triggers here, but it's also a book I feel we need to read.

The Punishment publishes 4.21.2020.

5/5 Stars

Like all the works of Tahar Ben Jelloun I read so far, also this one doesn't disappoint. The Punishment is a true story about his punishment for peacefully protesting. Shocking punishment that the author had to endure is unimaginable for us living in a democratic world. Unfortunately, this and similar stories in Morrocco did happen.

Excellent writing and story, as always. Thanks for the opportunity to read it.

The story of a 20 years old Tahar Ben Jelloun sento to a punishment militar camp, taught me not only something more about the life of one of my favorite author, but also about the story of Marocco. It will not be easy to forget.

La storia del ventenne Tahar Ben Jelloun, che per aver osato manifestare contro il governo viene punito in un campo militare per 18 mesi, non mi ha insegnato qualcosa di piú soltanto sulla vita di uno dei miei autori preferiti, ma anche sulla storia del Marocco. Difficile da dimenticare.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!