Abdellah Taïa's 'Tower of Tears' explores the alleyways of his painful past

The city of Salé itself emerges as a central character, sheltering the painful and joyful memories of the pair. Under the ancient walls, which lend the novel its title, Youssef once vowed the bond of friendship and loyalty to Najib. Cursed, rotten, hellish, murderous, heartless, and a prison are some of Youssef's descriptors for the city, yet it is his city, that he still loves "despite everything".

Youssef and Najib's friendship, formed during adolescence, is born from shared tragedy. Growing up surrounded by sisters, both boys displayed a dangerous vulnerability in a society indifferent to child sexual abuse, which they frequently endured, sometimes by multiple men—a trauma known to their families. 

Far from protecting them, their families saw them as guilty, fuelling Najib's desire for revenge. Now wealthy and powerful, this is what he wants. Youssef, however, is torn between revenge and forgiveness, his love for his sisters holding him back. It gets to the novel's core: do we forgive those who fractured our childhood, or stood by indifferently? Or is revenge the only way to rebuild ourselves?

Themes and experiences

Those familiar with Taïa's books will recognise this as an extension of his autobiographical-fiction style. French critics have noted that he 'writes with the ink of his own life,' as his main characters often bear a resemblance to him. 

Each of his works explores recurring themes: individual identity, familial legacy and its impact on the character, rigid gender roles in Eastern societies, the conflict between tradition and modernity, and the marginalisation and violence stemming from these divides. Yet common themes do not equate to a static narrative.

Taïa reinvents his approach and tone with every story. Each successfully crafts a fresh narrative that lets him modernise his perspective and adapt the discourse. In The Tower of Tears, his critique of social hypocrisy is especially potent. For instance, while society condemns homosexuality, it turns a blind eye to the sexual abuse of boys by men, and when a gay man becomes powerful and wealthy, they are no longer deemed deviant—as seen in Najib's acceptance upon returning to Salé. 

Taïa condemns families who, repulsed by their children's personalities, leave them vulnerable to abuse—often with their knowledge and, at times, in plain sight of other family members. The author's own experiences amplify this powerful critique.

Set largely in a bygone era, the novel highlights the smuggling operations run by army officers through Najib's connection with the colonel, with Taïa also taking the opportunity to denounce the use of religion as a tool for oppressive authority.

An echo chamber

Through the shared and divergent fates of Youssef and Najib, Taïa examines familial relationships and ties to one's home. Though similar, these relationships lead to distinct outcomes. Unlike Najib, Youssef refrains from seeking revenge on his sisters despite their indifference to his childhood suffering. 

Instead, he chooses to cherish his positive memories with them, valuing the freedom they exemplified in his eyes before their marriages, along with their dedication to preserving their mother's memory and the belongings she left behind.

The parental home is another central theme. Taïa explores its profound emotional significance as an echo chamber of the family's history and memories, reflecting the deep bonds we form with our parents, regardless of how complex or disappointing those relationships might be. Youssef's reluctance to sell his mother's house after her death contrasts with Najib's decision to repurchase his childhood home, determined to live there despite the painful memories.

Ultimately, this novel asks what we do with the traumas endured in youth. A French critic thought the narrative led to a single answer: love. But love here is not an invitation to tolerate all. It is a means to process pain and move forward. This explains Youssef's warm relationship with his sisters and Najib's reconciliation with the people of Salé despite their cruelty towards him as a child.

The Tower of Tears transcends a mere call for reconciliation to achieve inner peace. It is a powerful outcry, an eventual outpouring after many years. Moreover, it is a heartfelt expression conveyed through words that are lyrical, introspective, gentle, and unflinchingly harsh, as needed.