Morocco
(French)
Special
Mention
109
Bousquet, Charlotte (text)
Lahrech, Noureddine (illus.)
Le défi de Zaïna (A
challenge for Zaïna)
Hay Riad, Rabat : Ed. Yomad,
2001. - 151 p.
(Yemma junior)
ISBN 9954-0-0037-2
Morocco - Female teenager - Riding horse - Patriarchy - Social criticism –
Emancipation
For three years, Zaïna and her horse Ijouane have participated in horse
races. Together they have earned some fame. As the first female jockey in a
patriarchal society, however, the orphan girl frequently meets with ridicule and
envy. One day, a fire endangers the life of Ijouane. Despite her guardian's
disapproval and that of Tarik, who wants to marry her, Zaïna gets her horse
back on its feet and continues to work with it. In Marakesh, a last challenge
awaits the two friends at the »Los Atlas Fuegos«, a group of trick riders:
They ask them to jump through a burning loop. The relationship between Zaïna,
who immediately arouses the readers' affections, and her horse will certainly
appeal to animal lovers. Full of courage, the girl faces all the difficulties
and commits herself wholeheartedly to her profession. This exciting, but also
critical novel denounces the faults of a patriarchal society which discriminates
against women. (9+) <>