Independent-minded Sibylla Spencer feels trapped in 19th-century London, where her strong will and progressive views have rendered her unmarriageable. Still single at 23, she is treated like a child and feels stifled in her controlling father’s house.
When Benjamin Hopkins, an ambitious employee of her father’s trading company, shows an interest in her, she realizes marriage is her only chance to escape. As Benjamin’s rising career whisks them both away to exotic Morocco, Sibylla is at last a citizen of the world, reveling in her newfound freedom by striking her first business deals, befriending locals – and falling in love for the first time with a charismatic and handsome Frenchman.
But Benjamin’s lust for money and influence draws him into dark dealings, pulling him ever further from Sibylla and their two young sons. When he’s arrested on horrible charges, the fate of Sibylla’s family rests on her shoulders, as she must decide whether she’ll leave him to his fate or help him fight for his life.
Excellent! What a marvelous adventure this novel has taken me on! The characters were well thought out and they had that life that you just sink into as you read. I could see the landscapes and almost smell the spices.
A very good read Very interesting story about life in colonial Morocco in a bustling port town. Very well described the lives of the Islamic, Arab and Christian factions living together. The romances and character development were well done. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Interesting and well researched… The Lioness of Morocco is an incredibly interesting story and a well-researched book – I have to admit I was intrigued by the cover and the book synopsis when I was offered it as an ARC. That being said, what I really appreciated about the book is its lovely descriptions of Moroccan culture especially from the perspective of the lives of women in harems. It may be Very different to anything I’ve read before – but quite transcendental.