#Day and night book series

He is a hard-working, intelligent man from a good background. Is he Younes, the Arab he was before he was adopted by his uncle, or Jonas, the European who he becomes once he is adopted? He is an Arab living in a European world, and while Arabs are seen as 'lazy and shiftless' by Europeans, Younes is exempt from this description. Younes is conflicted, and at the centre of his conflict throughout his life is his identity. While Younes is a loveable character, his indecisiveness is grinding, and at times frustrating. Emile and the Algerian revolt introduce us to one aspect of Jonas' character - his indecisiveness. As they grow up, Algeria is also hit by the revolution and we see how the country changes. Here is where he also meets Emile, a girl who will test this friendship, as she is so beautiful they all can't help but fall in love with her. Their friendship, and what they get up to as he grows, is the focus of his life in Rio Salado. In Rio Salado, Jonas meets a group of boys that will become his long-time friends. We then learn about Jonas' new life with his uncle in Oran, and their eventual move to the European town, Rio Salado. This shapes the rest of his life - as in some ways through the adoption and name change he is saying goodbye to his Arab and Muslim identity.

The second Younes is adopted by his uncle, his life changes as he becomes known as Jonas.

#Day and night book series

After a series of unfortunate events, Issa (who is a very proud man) gives his son to his affluent brother - a pharmacist living in the European (and richer) part of Oran. Here Younes and his family live in the slum, Jenane Jato, and his father is forced to do whatever he can to make ends meet. When his father, Issa's, farm is destroyed by fire and he is unable to repay his debt, they leave their farm life and move to the nearby town, Oran. Younes, our narrator, is recounting his life and it starts when he is 9 living with his family on their farm. Set in Algeria, t his is a story about love, friendship, family and identity spread over 70 years. Reading this book reminded me why I chose to focus on North African literature, and honestly why I love books - their ability to transport me to a world I know absolutely nothing about. What the Day Owes the Night by Yasmina Khadra is my second book for the Middle East Reading Challenge hosted by Helen's Book Blog.