Thomas-Hollowell
By Abderrazzak Mohamed Bentarka
This conflict lasted a lot – much more than it should.
The American author Thomas Hollowell recalls many western intellectuals who were enthralled by the charms of Morocco. He reminds me of Powells, Gene, Barthes and the like. Still his distinctness is his refusal to stay indifferent and standoffish while a humanitarian disaster is taking place in Tindouf. For this he devoted much time to study the source conflict. He learned a lot about the Moroccan culture and found himself enmeshed in the study of the history, geography and people of the Moroccan desert.
The outcome was a book entitled “Allah’s garden” which he wrote in 2009. It is seen as an overview of the history of the conflict in the Moroccan desert. What’s more, it relates, in a literary text, the story of a doctor by the name of Azeddine, who had been captured by the joined forces of Algeria and polisario. The style is lyrically calm and suspenseful though the facts are calamitously haunting. The humanitarian cost goes beyond any imagination…
It seems Hollowell wants to impart the message: Moroccan prisoners are giving a high price in the Algerian controlled territory of Tindouf, POWs and civilians alike. He successfully get it through: the conflict should be settled the sooner the better, at least for humanitarian reasons. His uncompromised concern is evident. This narrative shows the passion for words this author has.
The book falls into 194 pages which swarm with historical events and truths. The text is written in a beautiful literary formulation. And the author’s success lies in his objective description and analysis of politics’ maneuvers in the region. However Hollowel doesn’t hide sympathy and concern when human life is at risk.
The story is a compelling and thumping good coupling of real events and artistry. In the throes of war, Dr. Azeddine though informed of the intricacy of the situation refuses to desert his hospital and leave his helpless patients to their fate. He spent 25 years of agony and torture in the camps in Tindouf !
Remains to say this book should imperatively be read. All the happenings within are true. Think of the discussions that would follow such a reading. It’s a blessing for Moroccan nationals residing abroad, USA and Canada namely, you can easily get your copy.
Allah’s Garden:
A True Story of a Forgotten War
in the Sahara Desert of Morocco
First Edition, 2009 by Tales Press, Urbana, Illinois USA
