Message from the Author of The Road From Morocco

Photo by Victor Rugg

As the self-published author of The Road from Morocco —a compelling literary memoir, which reads like a novel — I’m actively looking for a special agent, who will turn this sleeper into a blockbuster.

The Road from Morocco recounts the life of my mother Saadia and, in turn, my own. It seeks to transport readers back in time to a Middle Eastern society far removed from modern American sensibilities—to Morocco, on the northwestern tip of Africa, where my mother was born and wed against her will at thirteen. Based on recorded history and family memories, the book chronicles Saadia’s arranged marriage and hardships as a young mother to mine.  In time, I journey to Europe and then to the United States, where I eventually reach a top position on Wall Street—in theory, the fulfillment of my American dream but in reality an overwhelming experience that threatens everything I hold dear.

It is also the unconventional story of a French-educated, sexually liberated woman from an Arab-Muslim background, which challenges all stereotypes of Arab and Muslim women and brings into light a fresh perspective to an ethnicity too often reduced to the most simplistic of portrayals, particularly since 9/11 and the spread of Islamic fundamentalism. This is a story that is utterly relevant in the context of the popular revolts that have spread across the Arab World and the yet unclear role their female populations may be playing.

Since the memoir's first publication last January, I've been actively building a platform and given a few, very well-attended, author's talks locally—the latest one on January 28, 2012 at the BookHampton bookstore in East Hampton.

The book has been selling on Amazon and in local bookstores. According to a Book Hampton manager, it's become one of their bestselling consignment books ever.  Perry Habermann, owner of the Montauk Bookshop, agrees. That happened with little if any promotion. I was interviewed on local stations and a few articles and reviews were written in the local press—the most recent appeared on November 9 on the front pages of the Arts Sections of the East Hampton Press and the Southampton Press. Duplicated nationwide, the success of the book is all but certain.

I’m gratified by the consistently glowing reviews from my readers (see samples on Amazon Customer Reviews) but unhappy with the pace and scope of its distribution. There’s no question in my mind that The Road from Morocco has already shown it is bestseller material and the right agent—with the right publisher—combined with my own worldliness, speaking skills, and passion will make it happen in no time.

I was born and raised in Morocco, lived in Europe for a few years and travelled to over thirty-five countries.  In 1980, I came to Florida to attend college and was granted a series of fellowships to attend graduate school in New York University, where I earned a post graduate degree in Politics and Middle Eastern Studies.  As a first time author, I relied on my deep love of French and English literature and my years of voracious reading to hone my skills as a writer.  In the words of a reviewer, “The levels of professionalism and literary finesse present in this work are high, and readers will know immediately they are reading a work by a practiced and experienced writer.” 

In closing, I need your help, my beautiful readers, finding that enthusiastic and seasoned agent who will understand my vision and share in its success? 

In the meantime, I can’t wait to hear from you!

Wafa Faith Hallam

November 20, 2011

Sag Harbor, NY 11963

wfhallam@gmail.com