Spanning over half a century and two parallel stories, this narrative captures the resilience and cultural heritage of people in the desert. It entwines the tale of Nour, a young boy in the early 20th century, with that of Lalla, a girl navigating life in the 1970s. The text delves deeply into their personal journeys amidst the vast and unforgiving landscape of the Sahara.

Journey through the Sands

In the winter of 1909-1910, a sprawling caravan snakes through a barren valley of the Western Sahara Desert. This caravan is comprised of those fleeing the ravages of war as colonial forces aggressively expand their territories in Africa. As these refugees gather in Smara, they seek sanctuary under the leadership of Sheik Ma al-Aïnine, also known as the Water of the Eyes, who established this sacred city. With each arriving tribe, the encampments swell with life and stories. Amidst these travelers is a young boy named Nour, a descendant of the storied al-Azraq, or the Blue Man. The sheik, noticing the boy, shares with him the spiritual teachings passed down by the legendary Blue Man.

A Tale of Legacy

Decades later, in the 1970s, a girl named Lalla resides in a humble shack on the Moroccan coast. She finds solace and wonder in the undulating dunes, observing the diverse fauna and the shifting hues of the desert landscape. Her adoptive guardian, Aamma, has recounted to her the tale of her origins: Lalla's mother, Hawa, hailed from the realm of the southern Blue warriors. When the moment of Lalla's birth came, Hawa leaned against a tree, giving birth as the morning light broke. Lalla grows increasingly curious about her ancestor, al-Azraq, known as the Blue Man. Though Aamma is vague about his story, Lalla envisions him during her solitary wanderings, naming him al-Ser, the Secret. She feels a connection, an invisible gaze upon her, as she explores the desert's mysteries.

Friendship and Freedom

In her isolated world, Lalla finds companionship in a young shepherd named Hartani, who resides on the edge of the desert. Hartani possesses a profound understanding of the desert's secrets, from the behavior of scorpions to the labyrinthine paths hidden amidst the dunes. His perception is almost mystical; he "sees with his body," relying on all his senses to navigate the world. Though Hartani does not use conventional language, Lalla communicates effortlessly with him, interpreting his gestures, expressions, and the light in his eyes. As she matures, Aamma pressures Lalla to marry a wealthy city man, but she defies this expectation. Choosing autonomy over security, Lalla leaves for the stony plateau with Hartani, soon calling him her husband.

A Journey of Survival

Meanwhile, the caravan endures its relentless journey northward. Women and children struggle against the blazing sun, trailing at the back of the procession. Memories of a stationary life begin to fade for Nour, as the constant movement becomes all he knows. The caravan is not welcomed in the red city of Taroudant, compelling them to push on toward Marrakech. Weak and destitute, they leave a trail of the deceased in their wake. At night, they recount tales of former glories, reminiscing about Sheik Ma al-Aïnine’s legendary exploits.

An Unfamiliar World

Lalla eventually finds herself in Marseille, peering over the ship's railing at the cityscape before her. Hopes for a gleaming metropolis are quickly dashed as she encounters a city as worn as the Panier neighborhood where she resides. Overwhelmed by its enormity, she wanders the streets aimlessly, surrounded by a diverse, predominantly impoverished populace. Pregnant with Hartani’s child, she feels faint amid the throngs. Lalla takes menial work...