CATHERINE CROWE

I read it in French along with 2nd volume. It was an eye opener on life in Libya and then Syria in the 70s and 80s. Perhaps as a woman I was more shocked at the behaviour of the little boys- so cruel and rough but maybe these were universal traits at the time exaggerated by the lack of female company. However the primary school teacher in 2nd book was the most violent of all. With such attitudes so early in life it is no wonder the Middle East is in such turmoil now. Despite the seriousness of the subjects - poverty, corruption, cruelty, incompetence ( but also unexpected kindness), the text and drawings were funny and the insight of the little boy was at times both innocent and wise. I enjoyed the books a lot and felt that I understood the humanity of the region better after reading them.