What the Day Owes the Night
Product ID: 199204532
Desertcart purchases this item on your behalf and handles shipping, customs, and support to USA.
'Darling, this is Younes. Yesterday he was my nephew, today he is our son' Younes' life is changed forever when his poverty-stricken parents surrender him to the care of his more affluent uncle. Renamed Jonas, he grows up in a colourful colonial Algerian town, and forges a unique friendship with a group of boys, an enduring bond that nothing - not even the Algerian Revolt - will shake. He meets Emilie - a beautiful, beguiling girl who captures the hearts of all who see her - and an epic love story is set in motion. Time and again Jonas is forced to to choose between two worlds: Algerian or European; past or present; love or loyalty, and finally decide if he will surrender to fate or take control of his own destiny at last. Review: Great Novel - This was a very well-written book; narrator/character comes from a part of the world I know little about, so provided a great deal of insight and empathy into a time, place and people living in Algeria. Review: Excellent - An superb example of writing yet again under the pseudonym of an Algerian intelligence officer. The descriptive power of the language even after translation. is exceptional
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 251 Reviews |
A**C
Great Novel
This was a very well-written book; narrator/character comes from a part of the world I know little about, so provided a great deal of insight and empathy into a time, place and people living in Algeria.
A**.
Excellent
An superb example of writing yet again under the pseudonym of an Algerian intelligence officer. The descriptive power of the language even after translation. is exceptional
S**V
A journey through a lifetime
This is a deep exploration of family and community ties through the filter of national and world events. The translation reads lyrically, 4 friends somehow remain connected throughout the upheavals, the loss of the narrator's parents and sister remain a burden never resolved. Deeply affecting novel.
W**S
Three Stars
I prefer the french version
M**O
Poetic Historical Novel treating the roots of injustice and inequality of Opportunity and the irreversibility of many actions
This is a wonderful translation of a romantic novel based on the reality of Algerian history, the transition from French colonialism to independence and the complexity of loss for the many generations of French settlers and their associates, many of whom were also Islamic Arabs. It brings to life the reasons why injustice and too great inequality can lead to disaster. Khadra is a poet, as well as philosopher and sensitive observer of society and human nature.
A**R
Beautifully written
Beautifully written insight into Algerian life and political/racial struggles during the 1950's.
K**R
Best book I've read in ages
Love his unpretentious style, his precise wording, his metaphors and themes. Chandra's novels speaks straight to the heart! I strongly recommend it.
A**R
Five Stars
Love this book!
S**B
I love this book
This book is my favorite ever and I bought it as a birthday gift for my friend
C**N
What the Day Owes the Night
Es uno de los grandes escritores del mundo árabe que te dejará sin palabras cuando leas sus libros; no te pierdas este pues te sorprenderá .....
C**N
excellent book
excellent book, beautiful and heart-touching story. read it in french (original language) ; amazingly written. bought it in english for a gift to an english-speaking friend. very inspiring novel ; makes the reader think about life. a lot.
R**I
Beautiful read.
Loved this book, happy and sad it's a real tale. Highly recommend. Well written and told beautifully. Looking forward to more from author
N**H
Totally worth it
One of the best novels.
Trustpilot
5 days ago
2 weeks ago