“Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail”

The book for review is “Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail” by Malika Oufkir,

Our main character is Malika Oufkir. A woman who while growing up was privy to the royalty of Morocco. Her father is a high-ranking official and has the ear of the ruler. We learn about the Oufkir family, one of privilege, as they live a life of splendor.

At a young age Malika is adopted by King Muhammad V to be a member of his family and a playmate for his daughter who he adores beyond belief. Malika is showered with love and attention and the finest things which she does enjoy. She misses her family though who she doesn’t get to see very often.

There is unrest in the country and against the king. In a failed coup attempt by her father, and fellow rebels, the King punishes the man’s family. They are imprisoned and treated cruelly as convicts where the basic necessities are severely limited as there is barely enough food to go around. No longer is the adopted princess a princess as her family and herself struggle to stay alive in the confinements of their jail.

The story was interesting for I was unfamiliar with the monarchy of this country and the history they had. The descriptions were well done. The book flowed for the most parts but there were sections that just didn’t do it for me due to it being bogged down with information that didn’t move the story along. The overall storyline was good but the book did not grab me. I had no problem putting the book down and picking it up a day or two later to continue.