50 pages • 1 hour read
Laila LalamiHope And Other Dangerous Pursuits
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits by Laila Lalami is a fictional narrative that traces the interconnected lives of four Moroccan characters—Murad, Faten, Aziz, and Halima—who all attempt an illegal boat journey across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain, hoping for better lives. The story, told in three sections, explores their backgrounds and the aftermath of their journey, focusing on their individual and communal struggles, resilience, and relationship with hope. Some characters face domestic abuse and perform sex work.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Laila Lalami's Hope And Other Dangerous Pursuits garners praise for its compelling portrayal of Moroccan immigrants striving for better lives. Critics highlight its poignant, interconnected narratives and authentic voice. However, some note an uneven pacing and desire deeper character development. Overall, the novel is lauded for its emotional depth and socio-political relevance.
Who Should Read Hope And Other Dangerous Pursuits?
Readers who appreciate immigrant narratives and poignant explorations of cultural identity, akin to those in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner or Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake, will find Laila Lalami’s Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits compelling. Its rich, character-driven stories resonate with fans of multilayered, socially relevant fiction.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Immigration / Refugee
African American Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Historical Fiction