Book Review of Secret Son

Secret Son By Laila Lalami

Impressed by the works of some of the Arab authors, I searched for something new and stumbled upon a book, 'Secret Son' by Laila Lalami.

It is a debut novel of Laila Lalami, a Moroccan-American author who beautifully narrates a story encompassing diverse issues including human emotions and behaviours as well as socio-political concerns of a strife-stricken country.

19-year old Youssef El Mekki lives in Hay An Najat, a slum of Casablanca with his widow mother. The teenager is continuously striving to find the truth of his identity. He has always been doubtful about the stories his mother told him about his existence.The young boy whose only luxury in the dingiest slum is the decrepit theatre in his neighbourhood loves to watch foreign movies and believes that lives should have Hollywood endings.

Friends at Al Nejat, his college and his mother formed most part of his life until the day he discovers the real truth about his existence. He is the illegitimate child of a rich and influential man, Nabil Amrani. Hailing from elite and privileged part of Casablanca, Amrani is a very famous businessmen who possesses all, fortune and privileges but a son, his heir. 

Youssef Mekki's father, Armani overwhelmed to have discovered  a son awards him with a penthouse and all the luxuries that Mekki could only dream of. While embracing the new changes in his life, Youssef doesn't mind leaving behind  the old, unwanted Nejat life. He is all eager to explore and enjoy the luxuries and fanciful lifestyle that his father offered him.

As the story unfolds at a gentle pace, the author continues to keep the interests of the readers intact with unique subtlety and unexpected twists that strikes chords with the readers.

Youssef Mekki who was now confident about his assured and bright future is suddenly taken a back when realized that he has been ditched by his so called father. He experiences reversal of fortune that takes him back to the Al-Najat lanes. The story takes a new turn at this juncture just like a movie after Intermission.

Mekki depressed by his dejected status, comes in touch with a fringe Islamic group. What follows next keeps the readers hooked and curious to know what lays ahead. 

The last few concluding chapters are dramatic and unexpected. Although Lalami tries to execute the end in the best possible way, the stark contrast of its fast-paced ending with its gentle starting seems like a make-believe ending to a realistic tale.

The secret son is an absorbing story with interesting depictions of mundanities, human relations and complexities of life in Morocco. Brimming with cultural insights of the country, the Moroccan author successfully and strongly conveys the message that despite different cultures and boundaries, the basic need of all humans remains the same, "acceptance". Be it family, peer group or society at large, every individual has innate desire to be accepted.

The writer also brings forward the sensitive issue of terrorism and fundamentalism through her writing. The story reveals the fact how young and sensitive minds fall prey to militant agendas. In the absence of quality government support and egalitarian society, the disillusioned young people easily get misguided and absorbed by unwanted forces.

Finally, I would like to say that while the ending of the story might not impress all but it is definitely worth a read for its soft rhythm, gripping narrations and thought provoking storyline.