Book description
When Suzanna Clarke and her husband bought a dilapidated house in the
Moroccan town of Fez, their friends thought they were mad. Located in
a maze of donkey-trod alleyways, the house - a traditional riad - was
beautiful but in desperate need of repair. Walls were in danger of
collapse, the plumbing non-existent. While neither Suzanna nor her
husband spoke Arabic, and had only a smattering of French, they were
determined to restore the building to its original splendour, using
only traditional craftsmen and handmade materials. But they soon found
that trying to do business in Fez was like being transported back
several centuries in time and so began the remarkable experience that
veered between frustration, hilarity and moments of pure exhilaration.
But restoring the riad was only part of their immersion in the rich
and colourful life of this ancient city. A House in Fez is a
journey into Moroccan culture, revealing its day-to-day rhythms, its
customs and festivals; its history, Islam, and Sufi rituals; the lore
of djinns and spirits; the vibrant life-filled market places and the
irresistible Moroccan cuisine. And above all, into the lives of the
people - warm, friendly, and hospitable.
Beautifully descriptive and infused with an extraordinary sense of
place, this is a compelling account of one couple's adventures in
ancient Morocco.
Suzanna Clarke has worked as a photojournalist for more than two
decades, contributing to national and international newspapers,
magazines and books. Currently, she is the arts editor of a major
Australian newspaper. Born in New Zealand, she grew up in several parts
of Australia. In her twenties she lived in a Welsh commune, an Amsterdam
squat and a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. With her husband, she divides
her time between their homes in Brisbane, Australia and Fez, Morocco.
