Seductions of Marrakech

Seductions of Marrakech, Josep Piera, Barcelona, Ed 62, 1996
Having first-hand the city he writes about Piera, it is noted that the situation has definitely changed thirteen years later. Marrakech continues to seduce, of course, but odors are gone and the pressure of its inhabitants (especially child beggars), as evidence, certainly the police action that has been ordered to protect tourism in the city. We can therefore read the book wistfully Piera an essence a little lost. Therefore, the fact of having had as a traveling companion allows you to compare as in a mirror every feeling that the writer has to offer. This test-book of travel is different from those previously published by the author, as The green ridge (1982), Greek Summer (1985) or a Body beautiful Baroque (1987); Piera is more dispersed and captures different images (especially in the last part, the most poetic and narrative while “Shadow”) that have interested. It is selective, not tote. Perhaps this reduction or selection is what causes the feeling of emptiness or need more comments or views on this city and its surroundings.
Nevertheless, the poetics of Piera provides suggestive phrases as in previous books; they do understand the space described: “Everything is beautiful, and I live in Marrakesh, also misery. Pixums the smell of the spell of the species of roses filled the bassiets from a public source [...]. Marrakech is medieval, is the garden and the wilderness “(p. 22);” the Jamaal el Fna is the mirror where you look and shows Marrakech. [...] Take a tea on a terrace, taking humanity forward Jamaal el Fna, is to take possession of the city. “(p. 81).

Some thoughts on reading, faithful companion of the traveler, that are worthy of being reproduced: “Reading makes travel scenarios and thoughts of others. Reading is an endless journey, a journey sedentary.” (P. 61-62). A good memory, a good precedent, Voices of Marrakesh by Elias Canetti.