Returning as a tourist to California

Description

Armed with passports and luggage, he returns to California this time, accompanied by his wife, daughter, three sons, and—believe it or not—his mother-in-law… He returns in his usual style to his lines, which record, sometimes through subtle phrases, sometimes through winks, innuendos, and hints, and through internal monologues, scattered aspects of Californian, or rather American, lifestyles… The reader is shown, to the rhythm of his narrative melody, sometimes satirical of that civilization, and at other times appreciative of it, to convey, through a mental glance at the homeland, a self-critique of what this homeland lacks in terms of constructive civilizational aspects, despite the available possibilities. You journey with Al-Qusaibi through his words, sometimes to affirm the truth in what he says, sometimes to contradict him, sometimes to play a part with him in the Californian landscape, becoming one of his family, standing with them before the passport officer. You observe through Al-Qusaibi’s eyes and hear through his ears the tales of Edward the First (the taxi driver), trying to escape with him the grip of advertisements, and wandering like a child with him in the enchanting embrace of the kingdom (Disneyland). At the same time, you are a companion, listening to his conversations imbued with another of Al-Qusaibi’s characteristic satirical wit.