Blog Archives
Family and Community
Morocco: A Remembrance of Childhood is a nostalgic journey through your early years living in Morocco as the son of a U.S. Navy pilot and the impact the culture had on your outlook on life and beliefs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
For reasons I couldn’t initially explain, I have retained many vivid memories of my formative years, ages 5-7, in Morocco. Although I’d never considered writing a memoir, the more I thought about those years, the more I became convinced that my adult perspectives on life had been determined largely by my experiences in Morocco. From that point forward, writing the book became somewhat of a compulsion, albeit one that took over three years to complete given the research involved as well as a one-year hiatus resulting from the sudden and unexpected death of my wife of 46 years.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
On a personal level, I wanted to capture the wonders and joys that we all experience during the process of maturing, as well as the ecstasy and agony of growing up as a military brat. The former resulting from the opportunity to experience many different people and places and the latter resulting from constant need to move on and leave all such people and places behind. With regard to Morocco, I wanted to capture its colorful, fascinating and incredibly long history, as well as the unique religion and culture of its Berber and Arab populations, all of which have combined to produce what is arguably the most open, friendly and egalitarian population of humans on the planet. Finally, given my time in Morocco, during the mid 1950’s, I wanted to track the way in which the country’s Arab/urban population and it’s Berber/rural population became united in their efforts to rid the country of French colonists who had taken over their country as a result of the Treaty of Fez, executed in 1912–an effort that in numerous ways paralleled the struggle of Black Americans to attain their civil rights during the 1950’s.
What is something that you think will surprise readers the most in your book?
Unless you’re well-versed in medieval history, most readers will probably be surprised to learn that for a time Morocco was one of the richest and most powerful nations on earth, financed by camel caravans, transporting a river of wealth from sub-Saharan Africa, and pirates, plundering both European ships and coastal towns. Riding on the crest of such wealth, Berber horsemen captured much of northern Africa, all of modern-day Spain and even a small part of modern-day France. However, with the advent of modern shipping in the 1500’s, the river of wealth from the caravans gradually dried up and Morocco’s focus turned inward.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
The Moroccan ethos, which is centered on family and community, provides humanity with a far better path forward than one focused on individual power, prestige and wealth.
Author Website
I hope you enjoy reading this book half as much as I enjoyed writing it. It was a labor of love for me to reach back and re-create my formative years, ages 5 to 7, growing up as the son of a U.S. Navy pilot in Port Lyautey, French Morocco, during the mid-1950’s, at a time when Morocco was the epicenter of the United States’ Cold War efforts to deter and contain the Soviet Union through aerial reconnaissance and nuclear weapons.
During my time in Morocco, the country’s Berber/rural and Arab/urban populations became united in their efforts to rid themselves of the French colonists who had taken over their country as a result of the Treaty of Fez, executed in 1912—an effort that in numerous ways paralleled the struggle of Black Americans to attain their civil rights during the 1950’s.
In addition to relating my personal experiences, both humorous and telling, dealing with the family dynamics of a Navy brat, I describe the many ways in which my life intersected the cross-currents emanating from the Cold War and colonialism.
To explore the unique relationship between the country’s Berber and Arab populations, I delve into Morocco’s incredibly long, colorful and interesting history, as well as the religious and cultural beliefs that have combined to produce what is, arguably, the most open, friendly and egalitarian human population on the planet.
Finally, I make the case that the Moroccan ethos, which is centered on family and community, provides humanity with a far better path forward than one focused on the attainment of individual power, prestige and wealth.
Morocco, A Remembrance of Childhood
Morocco: A Remembrance of Childhood is a nostalgic journey through the author’s early years spent in various locales, with a significant portion dedicated to his time in Morocco. This memoir captures the essence of a childhood filled with adventure, discovery, and the bittersweet transitions that come with growing up in a military family. The narrative begins with James Farmer’s vivid recollections from as early as three years old, setting the stage for a life marked by constant movement and rich, diverse experiences.
Farmer’s writing is imbued with a sense of warmth and authenticity, making the reader feel as though they are sitting across from an old friend, listening to stories of bygone days. One of the strengths of this book is its ability to transport the reader to various settings, from the mundane routines in small-town America to the exotic landscapes of mid-20th century Morocco.
The book excels in painting a vivid picture of the time and places it covers. Farmer’s portrayal of Hutchinson, Kansas, as a quintessentially American town of the 1950s is rich with details that evoke a strong sense of place and time. His reflections on the cultural and social norms of the era provide a valuable historical context that enriches the narrative. Similarly, the descriptions of Morocco, with its contrasting landscapes and unique cultural milieu, offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that many readers may find unfamiliar yet captivating.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt and engaging memoir, I feel that some of the author’s reflections may not resonate with all readers. Farmer’s ability to recall his early years with such clarity and emotion is truly commendable, and his stories are likely to strike a chord with anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of a roaming lifestyle. The book is particularly well-suited for readers who enjoy memoirs and historical narratives, as well as readers interested in the cultural contrasts between mid-century America and North Africa.
James B. Farmer’s memoir is a poignant and evocative exploration of a unique childhood. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an intimate, personal account of growing up in a time of great change, both at home and abroad.
Pages: 573 | ASIN : B0D2B21Y5V
LITERARY TITAN 