Alexandra Singer (2) (1982–)

I was drawn to this book by the vivid colours of the cover and by the setting of the story, in which a young woman goes to Morocco.

Initially, I found it hard to get into, and while it did pick up a bit and become more interesting, nearly everyone was very unpleasant. Maia herself is naive and lacks insight, rather worryingly for someone with artistic ambitions. I thought the portrayal of Moroccans had rather racist overtones, although most of the Western expats were quite obnoxious. Gay/lesbian sexuality seemed to be equated with corruption.

Although I didn't like this much, I would be curious to see what the author writes next, perhaps with a stricter editor and less purple prose.… (meer)