The Black Crescent
Set in 1950s Morocco, amid growing resistance to French rule, The Black Crescent is a novel about family ties, societal change and contrast between traditional village and city life, as well as being a political thriller with an appealing protagonist.
Hamou, a young man from a Berber village, is a Casablanca policeman caught between cultures and loyalties at a time when the secret insurgent group, The Black Crescent, is engaged in violent resistance to the colonial government. Peaceful demonstration against the regime brings dire consequences, and Hamou grows conflicted, fearful and angry.
This is a vivid novel with a strongly defined political background, fascinating characters, and a hero whose life comes undone when he cannot be complicit with the French police. A shocking incident places Hamou in serious danger. Through good fortune and a previous encounter he becomes a Hakam, an official solving community problems, but he is still in jeopardy.
Johnson is expert in the history, politics and traditional culture of Morocco. She tells Hamou’s story beautifully and with empathy. Hamou won this reader’s heart. There are terrifying scenes when he falls foul of the authorities but also endearing, humourous episodes when he adopts a cat and falls dangerously in love. The author draws out the contrast between Western society and an older society where one might tie a knot in wild broom to make a wish, become amused by a mother’s list of marriageable women for her son and appreciate the traditional notion of a zouhry, the finder of treasure. Like his cat, he has many encounters with death and survives. This is an important novel containing a great story with a satisfactory conclusion.
The Black Crescent transports the reader to the scents and sounds of the Medina, to Berber traditions and a deeper understanding of imperialism and conflict. It will linger in one’s thoughts long after the final page. Highly recommended.
