Reference no: EM133339689
Question 1. When Mathilde and Amine first meet in France, Mathilde is bold and adventurous, and she charms Amine with her bubbly personality and exuberance. But when they move to Morocco, both their personalities seem to change: Amine becomes dour and brooding, and Mathilde fearful and frustrated. Might they have evolved differently if they had stayed in France? How might their marriage have been different?
Question 2. In Morocco, Mathilde is often incensed by what she sees as the lack of women's rights, and is outspoken about her feelings, to the distress of Amine and Mouilala. During their first Ramadan together, for example, Mathilde protests the fact that Mouilala waits for the men to break the fast before breaking her own; Mathilde calls it "slavery." Do you think she is right to protest on Mouilala's behalf? Have you ever traveled to a place where your own morals and beliefs did not line up with those of the place you were visiting? How did you handle it?
Question 3. Mouilala seems to be one of the least free characters in the novel-she is uneducated, and is rarely allowed even to leave her house-and yet she never complains. Do you think she considers herself free? Did you find it strange that she herself keeps a slave, Yasmine, and feels repulsion for Yasmine's black skin?
Question 4. Slimani frequently skips back and forth in time while telling the story, playing with the pacing: some seemingly inconsequential events are recounted over the course of several pages, while important events, such as the births of Aïcha and Selim and the couple's move from the medina to the farm, are mentioned only briefly. What did you think of this effect? Why might Slimani have chosen to structure the novel this way?
Question 5. Amine and Mathilde are a strangely matched couple and are often at odds, unable to communicate their wants and needs to each other. However, there are moments of sweetness between them throughout the book, such as when Amine surprises Mathilde with a Christmas tree. Why do you think they married? Do they love each other? Is their marriage a success?