THE ROCK OF OPINION

I found Amin Maalouf's writing style to be a welcome change from that of J.M. Coetzee. The latter's writing style was very dry, even cold. On the contrary, Amin Maalouf's writing style has far more life in it. The historical allusions, such as the Ottoman conquest of power and the presence of foreigners, add depth to the story. Yet the tone is that of a historian who likes to write in quasi-literary terms. I am sure local figures of authority such as the Sheikh, the Sheikha, Gerios and Reverend Stolton actually existed. I am sure that thousands of powerful men, like the Sheikh, used their authority to procure women for themselves. The Sheikha's predicament can strike a chord in a female reader. Her doubts, her lethargy, her frustration all sound very realistic. It is obvious that Amin Maalouf pities his characters, especially Lamia. She was caught in what almost became a viper's nest. She was afraid of gossip (an anxiety that I myself can understand) and the Sheikh's overbearing attentions. I found her to be Amin Maalouf's most likeable character.