Article: Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood

Louise Leonard
Domes
10-31-1994
Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood.

Moroccan sociologist Mernissi, born in a harem in 1940 in Fez, gives us a peek at the world of women in purdah. Through vignettes from her childhood, we see how the womenfolk carried on their daily lives behind the walls. She reveals the convoluted webs of deceit and power plays, as well as the harmony that existed when the rights of others were respected. The invisible barriers of custom were seldom crossed so that the delicate balance of the social system remained intact.

Here were played out the elaborate ruses the women used against the men to gain access to the key to the forbidden radio, or even to escape to ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!