Book Review: The Moor's Account

I just finished The Moor's Account, by Laila Lalami. This is true storytelling at its finest.  It follows the life of Mustafa ibn Muhammad ibn Abdussalam al-Zamori and his role in an expedition to explore Florida's coast. Mustafa recounts his own story, honestly evaluating his life, recognizing his failures, and honestly portraying the Spanish conquest. 

I found several aspects of the story very refreshing. The first was the view of the slave. History is written by the winners, and often those who are marginalized have their stories erased.  This book's commitment to working against that erasure was very strong, and I found its honesty, even when it was painful, made the story much more real.

Similarly, I loved having the view of the person not in power.  Mustafa is purchased and renamed. His life and history are erased.  He is taken on an expedition that is set on conquest, and while those in power have their goals and orders, Mustafa seems compelled by only one goal: retelling the tale honestly. 

This is a painful tale told in a beautiful way, simple and pure.  It provides a rarely heard voice from horrific time.  The Moor's Account brought me a sense of majesty and humility that a person can evoke through the power of storytelling.