The Tetouan trilogy

"Mois Benarroch is the most important  Mediterranean Sephardi writer in Israel."

Prof. Habiba Pdaya, Haaretz. 2020.

**Mois Benarroch's Tetouan Trilogy: A Journey Through Sephardic Memory and Identity**  

Mois Benarroch, an acclaimed Israeli author of Moroccan-Sephardic descent, has carved a unique niche in contemporary literature with his evocative *Tetouan Trilogy*. Comprising *En las puertas de Tánger (Gates to Tangier)*, *Lucena (Ways to Lucena)*, and *Llaves de Tetuán (Keys to Tetouan)*, the trilogy explores themes of displacement, identity, and the haunting legacy of Sephardic Jews. Written in Spanish and Hebrew (under his Hebrew name, מואיז בן הראש), Benarroch's work bridges cultures, offering a lyrical meditation on belonging in a fragmented world.  

### **The Novels and Their Themes**  

1. **Gates to Tangier (En las puertas de Tánger)**  

   The trilogy opens with a family's return to Tangier after their father's death, tasked with finding a estranged brother mentioned in his will. Reviews on *OnlineBookClub.org* praise its "poetic prose" and "emotional depth," as the siblings confront buried secrets and Morocco's layered history. The novel intertwines past and present, mirroring the Sephardic experience of longing and rediscovery.  

2. **Ways to Lucena (Lucena)**  

   This installment follows characters tracing their roots to Lucena, a medieval Jewish hub in Spain. Amazon reviews highlight its "dreamlike narrative" and exploration of the 1492 expulsion. Benarroch blends myth and reality, asking: Can one reclaim a homeland lost centuries ago? A reviewer notes, "It's not just a journey to a place, but to the soul."  

3. **Keys to Tetouan (Llaves de Tetuán)**  

   The finale centers on Tetouan, a city emblematic of Sephardic exile. Here, Benarroch delves into collective memory, with protagonists unraveling family ties to the Moroccan city. Critics commend its "rich historical tapestry" and "existential quest for identity," tying personal stories to broader diasporic currents.  

Benarroch's trilogy has been lauded for its lyrical style and philosophical depth. *OnlineBookClub.org* awards *Gates to Tangier* 4/5 stars, calling it "a haunting exploration of heritage." Meanwhile, readers on Amazon describe *Keys to Tetuán* as "a masterpiece of multicultural literature." Some note the challenging, non-linear narratives, yet agree the effort rewards with profound insights.  

Writing in Spanish, Hebrew, and English, Benarroch (מואיז בן הראש) embodies the transnational Sephardic experience. His works, including award-winning poetry and novels, reflect a lifelong dialogue between roots and exile. The trilogy, in particular, stands as a testament to the endurance of memory and the search for home.  

Mois Benarroch's Tetouan Trilogy is more than a literary feat—it's a bridge across time and geography, echoing the voices of a diaspora. For readers seeking to understand the Sephardic soul, these novels are essential.