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A review by robk
The Journey of Ibn Fattouma by Naguib Mahfouz, Denys Johnson-Davies
5.0
The Journey of Ibn Fattouma is a parable about the rise of civilization. Ibn Fattouma's life comes to a crisis after his fiance is compelled to marry the prince of his native country. His mother, a widow, becomes engaged to his teacher, and Ibn realizes there's no reason for him to stay in his country, a land which, despite its religion and civilization, seems flawed and corrupt. So, Ibn sets out on a journey to see other lands. Ash he does so, he encounters struggles both physical and psychological. He falls in love, meets heartache. He comes across new ways to view the world, which challenge his convictions.
Overall, this short novel is about what it means to be a traveler, which is just another way of saying, human. It's about being yourself, but being open to new ideas and never abandoning the desire to learn more.
Overall, this short novel is about what it means to be a traveler, which is just another way of saying, human. It's about being yourself, but being open to new ideas and never abandoning the desire to learn more.