Dreams of Trespass

Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood is a literary masterpiece that opens the gates to a hidden world. Written by the late, great Moroccan sociologist and feminist Fatima Mernissi, this memoir transports readers to 1940s Fez, where a young Fatima grows up within the confines of her family’s harem. It is a story of boundaries—both physical and mental—and the courageous women who taught a young girl how to transcend them through the power of words and imagination.

Life Behind the Walls of Fez

Dans Dreams of Trespass, Mernissi does not depict the harem of Western orientalist fantasy, but rather a complex domestic reality governed by strict tradition. We meet an unforgettable cast of characters: the rebellious mother who dreams of freedom, the traditional grandmother who upholds the rules, and the enchanting Aunt Habiba, whose stories become wings for the children trapped inside. The narrative is a beautiful blend of personal memory and cultural history, capturing a pivotal moment when Morocco was on the brink of independence and modernity was knocking at the door.

The Hudud: Navigating Sacred Frontiers

The central theme of the book is the concept of Hudud—the sacred frontiers that divide the world into men and women, public and private, powerful and powerless. Mernissi explores how these invisible lines shape identity and how the women of the harem used storytelling, embroidery, and theater to create their own spaces of liberty. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the roots of Islamic feminism and the social fabric of traditional Moroccan society.

Why Order from Mabooko?

Mabooko is honored to offer this essential work by one of Morocco’s most important intellectual figures. When you purchase Dreams of Trespass from our online bookstore, you benefit from services designed for your convenience:

• Free Shipping: We deliver to all cities in the Kingdom, from Fez to Casablanca, Rabat to Marrakech, at no additional cost.
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Step across the threshold and discover the magic within. Add Dreams of Trespass to your cart today and experience the legacy of Fatima Mernissi with Mabooko.