A reading of the novel “Tiri Tamalalt” by Zakaria Bouzro
The novel “Tayri tamellalt,” or as we can say in Arabic (Innocent Love), represents a value to the modern Moroccan Amazigh literary scene, as it is distinguished by its ability to use a language that is in the process of transitioning to writing in an innovative and effective way - that is, Amazigh -, and to present a distinct vision of the experiences of love and separation. The search for identity in an ambiguous university context. The writer begins his novelistic journey by localizing events and characters in a diverse and contradictory university environment, where the main conflict revolves around the unnamed hero and his relationship with the girl whom he considers a point of light in his life.
The events and feelings in the novel vary between joy, sadness, and despair, as the hero finds himself captivated by the character of the girl, whom he considers an outlet from his loneliness and emotional isolation. As the novel progresses, it gradually becomes clear to the reader that this relationship is incomplete, and that the hero lives in a world of internal pain and emotional conflicts, which make him wonder about the meaning of love and its value in his life.
Thanks to the wonderful narrative style, the writer was able to add psychological depth to the characters, making the reader sympathize with them and feel their life experiences in a realistic and poignant way. The writer also highlights in his novel feelings of doubt, hesitation, and self-searching, which reflect the state of confusion and emotional chaos that young people can face in a university environment full of challenges and pressures.
By highlighting the suffering of the characters and presenting them in a transparent and poignant way, the novel gives the reader a deep understanding of the human experiences and conflicting emotions that any person may experience on the journey of searching for self and belonging. Thus, “Tairi Tamlalat” remains not just a romantic story, but rather a local literary masterpiece that boldly and deeply addresses issues of human relations and personal identity in a way that paints a sophisticated picture of university life and its challenges.
The novel's narrative depicts diverse and complex scenes that transport the reader to ambiguous and conflicting personal worlds, revealing the nature of human relationships and their complex experiences. The writer uses brilliant narrative techniques to enhance the impact of the story and make it ingrained in the minds of readers. For example, he mastered the use of time in an elaborate way, moving us between the future and the past in a sequential manner that attracts attention and arouses curiosity.
Other narrative techniques stand out in the novel, such as keeping the characters without a specific identity, which creates an atmosphere of mystery and suspense around their identity and fate, and enhances the complexity and depth of the story. The writer is also creative in using techniques of anticipation and retrieval, which add beauty and suspense to the course of events, making the reader eager to know what will happen next.
The writer is distinguished in his novel by a unique diversity in dealing with events and feelings, as he mixes in his narrative between scenes of deep emotional love and scenes of hatred and emotional tension. This diversity appears in the intersection and contrast of characters, as the writer draws complex characters that oscillate between attraction and annoyance, which adds depth and vitality to the story.
Unbridled human feelings also stand out in the novel’s narrative, as the writer deals with scenes of sacrifice and loyalty in a poignant and realistic way, which makes the reader deeply sympathize with the novel’s characters and feel their feelings and experiences. Thanks to this ability to portray human feelings realistically, the novel is able to deliver a deep philosophical message about the nature of life and human relationships.
By using these elaborate narrative techniques, the writer succeeds in presenting a novel that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional romance, but rather becomes a mirror that reflects the complexities and contradictions of human life in a diverse and interconnected society like the Moroccan Amazigh society. The novel is not just a love story, but rather a deep study of the human soul and its complex experiences, which constitutes an intellectual and emotional journey for the reader to enjoy exploring and contemplating.
The novel “Tairi Tamlalat” deserves to remain the focus of readers’ attention and a platform for literary criticism, as it is not just a love story that reflects the experiences of two specific characters, but rather a mirror that reflects life in all its complexity and contradictions. The writer is creative in presenting a diverse artistic palette, mixing feelings of joy and sadness, love and hate, sacrifice and loyalty, which makes the novel rich and full of psychological and philosophical depth.
By using the Amazigh language in an innovative and effective way, the writer writes a novel that reflects the beauty and richness of Amazigh culture, and presents a distinct vision of life and human relations in a complex and contradictory society. Thus, “Tairi Tamlalat” remains an important station in the path of modern Amazigh literature, and it stands out as a literary masterpiece worthy of respect and appreciation, and worthy of remaining the subject of admiration and contemplation by readers and critics alike. We cannot conclude this humble reading except with what Al-Mutanabbi said: The sword cannot do anything to me. You will not do it, nor will meeting my enemy be like meeting you. If an arrow from my enemies stayed in my liver, I would not have missed what your eyes would have received.
Nahila Barzakan,
a research student at the Higher School of Education and Training - specializing in Amazigh -
Mohammed I University, Oujda.