First published in 1994, Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood is Fatema Mernissi’s memoir of growing up in a harem in 1940s Fez, Morocco. The book, told through a series of reflections and recollections, explores young Fatema's efforts to understand the concept of a harem amid political upheaval and restricted freedoms, and her aspiration for a world without the separation of men and women. The narrative addresses themes related to gender roles, cultural traditions, and the struggle for women’s rights.

Fatema Mernissi's Dreams of Trespass offers a captivating glimpse into the author's childhood in a Moroccan harem. Praised for its lyrical prose and cultural insights, readers appreciate the vivid depiction of women's lives. However, some critics find the memoir's pace slow and its narrative structure fragmented. Overall, it's a rich and evocative read that illuminates a unique cultural perspective.

Readers who appreciate Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi will enjoy Dreams of Trespass by Fatema Mernissi. This memoir resonates with those interested in women's rights, Middle Eastern culture, and personal narratives of defiance within traditional societies.

Contemplative / Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Emotional / Informative

Fatema Mernissi

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Dreams of Trespass reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Dreams of Trespass | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Dreams of Trespass and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Dreams of Trespass Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Dreams of Trespass Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Dreams of Trespass Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-16

Dreams of Trespass Chapters 11-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-22

Dreams of Trespass Chapters 17-22 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Dreams of Trespass Key Figures

theme

Themes

Dreams of Trespass Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Dreams of Trespass Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Dreams of Trespass Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Dreams of Trespass Essay Topics

Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Dreams of Trespass?

Reading Age

Book Details