I did not request this book nor did I ever receive it. I'm sorry for the confusion but wanted to give that feedback. thank you

When I started reading this book, I was convinced it was fantasy or at least historical fiction with some fantastical elements. I guess i got this impression because djinn were mentioned in the book description and the main character Hamou is described as a zouhry, a child of both humans and djinn who has a magical ability to find hidden treasure. The longer. I read, the more baffled I became since nothing magical materialized. The Black Crescent is a straight up historical fiction novel set in the 1950s Morocco. Our main character Hamou joins the French police force even as the struggle for independence from the French grows in the country. I did find the story quite interesting. I went into the book knowing close to nothing about the history of Morocco, so it was very eye-opening to learn about this period in the country's history.

Hamou Badi is born in a small village in the mountains of south west Morocco. In all respects, but one, he's an ordinary boy; what sets him apart from the other village boys are the zouhry marks on his hands. These signify that Hamou occupies two worlds, those of humans, and those of the djinn, making him a child of both. A zouhry can find lost things and treasure, but after Hamou finds a murdered woman, this leaves him shaken, and sets him on a different path from others in his village.

Hamou wants to do good in the world, and leaves home eventually for Casablanca, where he becomes a police officer under the French Protectorate in the early 1950s.

As he patrols, he begins to notice open dissatisfaction and anger with the French, who have exiled Morocco's sultan. This dissatisfaction is transforming into organized resistance and violence against the occupiers, who live in the best parts of the city, and take whatever they want, sending materials and other things to France. Needless to say, most of the French police officers around Hamou treat the locals with disgust.

When he discovers a young woman that has been pining for, Zina (she's the daughter of his downstairs neighbours in his apartment), is working with the Black Crescent, a group striving to eject the French from Morocco, Hamou finds himself further isolated and conflicted in his loyalties, and wondering where he stands amidst the rising militancy around him.

He's forced to take a side eventually, which leads to terrible consequences for him, but also a surprising change in his life, leading him eventually to find his real calling, and some meaning to his boyhood trauma.

This was such a great story. I felt fully grounded in Hamou's world of 1950s Casablanca, and I felt the author's love for the country and its people come through vividly.

Hamou is a wonderfully fleshed out character; from childhood, he has been a person in two worlds: his zouhry marks giving him what he sees as an unearned cachet, and then later his chosen profession, which many of the Casablanca locals see as traitorous or ill-considered. His desire to help others is often at conflict with his superiors' orders, and his uniform sets him apart from the people he wants to serve, but who resent his supposed soft stance on the oppressors. All this leaves him ambivalent and conflicted about the rising chaos around him until a critical moment when he must choose whether he is Moroccan or a merely a tool of the French.

The political upheaval, as seen through the eyes of Hamou, as well as the obvious inequality between the French and the Moroccans, is well-handled. There are scenes of brutality, but there are also moments of humour, kindness and compassion, bringing home the humanity of her main character, as well as many others of his friends and relations.

I've read three books now by this author, and have enjoyed them all. They're all beautifully written, well researched, and with such well-drawn characters. This book was a pleasure to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

I have been loving historical fiction lately and this was a great one! I loved learning more about Morocco’s history after WWII and its struggle to escape colonialism from France. I enjoyed the plot and the main character’s internal struggle between cultures after he finds himself in Casablanca after finding the body of a murdered woman.

This book is slow paced but rich with description and empathetic to cultures affected by war, and feels relevant to current events and the possibilities of the after effects of foreign rule.

I requested this book due to the description suggesting magical realism, however I found this novel to be more focused on social issues and historical imagery and descriptions of Morocco rather than anything surreal. I probably would not have picked up this book based on the WWII aspect alone.

Well researched but a bit slow and boring at times, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction over fantasy or magical realism.

Thank you to NetGalley for the digital copy of this book

Really, truly, fantastic!! Perfect for fans of last year’s darling, The Covenant of Water, with similarly sprawling storytelling, rich history and culture, and scathing commentary on colonialism. Despite the vast differences from present day US to post-war Casablanca, this story and many of the human issues explored within it felt so incredibly relevant.

So many thanks from the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc. My first Jane Johnson was a Netgalley arc (the Sea Gate) and I loved it. Was absolutely thrilled when I saw her latest novel, The Blqck Crescent, available on Netgalley and even more thrilled when I was able to read and review.
Venturing outside of England to Morocco, this book had a unique perspective from that of other Johnson books I’ve read, with a male MC and a completely different setting from her other novels. I loved learning of the different culture and expanding my vocabulary. The lush descriptions of scenery and a culture so unlike my own was extraordinary. Highly recommend this work of historical fiction.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the chance to read The black crescent by Jane Johnson. The author has become an automatic must read for me. The first book I read of hers, The tenth gift, stuck with me for years, and I was excited to come across more of her books later. The black crescent, like her other books takes place in Morocco, this time in the 1950's during French control, and follows the life of Hamou Badi. For this one, I found the plot interesting, and the researched well, but the pacing was a bit slow. Overall a good historical read.

A captivating historical novel set in post-war Casablanca about a young man marked by djinns who must decide where his loyalties lie as the fight for Moroccan independence erupts.

Really beautiful and lyrical. I loved the vibes of this book.

Im giving Black Crescent 3.5 stars
I originally received this book as an ARC through Simon&Schuster Canafa Influencer Program but was unable to read and review before expiration, this review is based on the audiobook borrowed through libby
I would def recommend this for any historical fiction lover but also recommend doing extensive research on the French colonization and genocide of Moroccan people before, during and after WW2
This book is extremely relevant to the war happening in the middle east and enlightens the reader
I would have rated this novel higher but found the novel to drag a bit at the end

The Black Crescent by Jane Johnson

Everything from Jane Johnson has been so enjoyable to read, and I learn something new from each one of her stories. She is a versatile author who blends history, fiction and fantasy into wonderful tales; her dreamy, yet detailed descriptions transport you right into her work, and makes each story very memorable.

“Hamou Badi is born in a village in the Anti-Atlas Mountains with the markings of the zouhry on his hands. In Morocco, the zouhry is a figure of legend, a child of both humans and djinns, capable of finding treasure, lost objects, and even water in the worst of droughts. But when young Hamou finds the body of a murdered woman, his life is forever changed.

Haunted by this unsolved murder and driven by the desire to do good in the world, Hamou leaves his village for Casablanca to become an officer of the law under the French Protectorate.

But Casablanca is not the shining beacon of modernity he was expecting. The forcible exile of Morocco’s sultan by the French sparks a nationalist uprising led by violent dissident groups, none so fearsome as the Black Crescent. Torn between his heritage and his employers, Hamou will be caught in the crossfire.

The lines between right and wrong, past and future, the old world and the new, are not as clear as the magical lines on his palms. And as the danger grows, Hamou is forced to choose between all he knows and all he loves.”

*** Review sent on Amazon and Goodreads

Jane Johnson’s “The Black Crescent” is a historical novel set in the tumultuous backdrop of post-war Casablanca, exploring themes of identity, colonial impact, and personal integrity. Through the life of Hamou Badi, a man believed to be a zouhry—marked by djinns and destined to find lost treasures and solutions—the novel delves into Morocco’s struggle for independence from French rule.

The novel begins with an intriguing premise that combines elements of Moroccan folklore with the harsh realities of colonial occupation. Hamou’s journey from a village in the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the bustling, conflicted streets of Casablanca promises a tale rich with cultural insights and historical depth. The use of the zouhry, a figure from legend, allows Johnson to explore the spiritual and mystical aspects of Moroccan culture, adding a layer of depth to the narrative that enriches the historical setting.

“The Black Crescent” is, in many ways, a novel of dualities. It contrasts the mystical with the mundane, the tranquil village life with the chaotic urban struggle, and personal ambition with nationalistic duty. Hamou, as the protagonist, is compelling and well-crafted, embodying the internal conflict of a man torn between the world he knows and the injustices he cannot ignore.

However, the book’s structure poses some challenges. The narrative is split into two distinct halves: the first is intense and action-packed, marked by violence and Hamou’s acute personal involvement in the independence movement. This part of the book is gripping and sets a high expectation with its pace and emotional depth. The second half, in contrast, feels like a different narrative thread, focusing on Hamou’s personal successes and a more subdued engagement with the conflict. This shift gives the impression of an unresolved symphony, where the initial crescendo is not adequately echoed in the finale.

For readers with a history touched by colonialism, especially those from South Asia like myself, “The Black Crescent” resonates on a personal level. It captures the emotional and cultural upheaval faced by those under foreign rule, making Hamou’s experiences both poignant and relatable. The struggle for identity and autonomy in a colonized land is a universal theme that Johnson handles with sensitivity and insight.

Rated three out of five stars, “The Black Crescent” offers a lot to appreciate but leaves something to be desired in terms of narrative cohesion. The rich cultural tapestry and the compelling protagonist are highlights, but the uneven pacing and divided focus might leave some readers wanting more.

In conclusion, “The Black Crescent” is a commendable attempt to shed light on a pivotal moment in Moroccan history through the lens of a deeply personal story. It’s a recommended read for those interested in historical narratives enriched with cultural lore, provided they can navigate the structural idiosyncrasies that might detract from an otherwise captivating tale.

I gave this book a shot, not really knowing what I was getting into. I wasn't able to connect with the characters or her style of writing. I think this could be a good book for some, it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

The Black Crescent is set in a time and place that I knew nothing about going into it. The world and culture of Morocco is enchanting and engaging. The way that Jane Johnson writes pulls you into the world, you can smell the spices, taste the food and hear the calls to pray. Even without this book being a fantasy, it feels magical.

If you like to travel to exotic places and discover the culture of those places then this book will surely be a favourite on your list.

I’m not going to lie i couldn’t get into this book. I have been having a book slump reading books lately so taht might have been the problem. I’m so sorry!

Title: The Black Crescent
Author: Jane Johnson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: March 5, 2024

I received a complimentary eARC from Simon & Schuster Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad

T H R E E • W O R D S

Atmospheric • Detailed • Lengthy

📖 S Y N O P S I S

Hamou Badi is born in a village in the Anti-Atlas Mountains with the markings of the zouhry on his hands. In Morocco, the zouhry is a figure of legend, a child of both humans and djinns, capable of finding treasure, lost objects, and even water in the worst of droughts. But when young Hamou finds the body of a murdered woman, his life is forever changed.

Haunted by this unsolved murder and driven by the desire to do good in the world, Hamou leaves his village for Casablanca to become an officer of the law under the French Protectorate.

But Casablanca is not the shining beacon of modernity he was expecting. The forcible exile of Morocco’s sultan by the French sparks a nationalist uprising led by violent dissident groups, none so fearsome as the Black Crescent. Torn between his heritage and his employers, Hamou will be caught in the crossfire.

The lines between right and wrong, past and future, the old world and the new, are not as clear as the magical lines on his palms. And as the danger grows, Hamou is forced to choose between all he knows and all he loves.

💭 T H O U G H T S

I have previously read and enjoyed Jane Johnson's work so when I was offered an ARC of The Black Crescent I gratefully accepted, especially considering this one sounded like it would have a side of magical realism.

Each of Jane Johnson's novels is vastly different, covering a variety of historical contexts, yet she delivers culturally rich stories filled with vivid detail where the reader is transported directly into the story. There is no doubt in my mind (once again) that she has done her research. With that being said, the pacing is incredibly slow and at times, I found myself skimming. It is so descriptive, I ended up being drawn out of the narrative completely. Additionally, the pacing felt disjointed between the first and second halves, which left me somewhat confused.

From reading the synopsis, I was desperately hoping for more of a magical realism centric plot than what I actually got. The historical detail really overtakes the narrative and the djinn doesn't figure into the story as much as I was hoping for. In my opinion, this was a missed opportunity.

Despite appreciating learning about Morocco's fight to gain independence, in my opinion, The Black Crescent is the weakest of Jane Johnson's works I have read so far. The ending tied things about a little too nicely, and I had really been hoping for more of the magical aspect. Regardless, I will continue to keep an eye on what she publishes next because I love exploring and learning about less covered parts of history.

📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• learning new parts of history
• furry companions

⚠️ CW: racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, colonization, death, violence, gun violence, police brutality, rape, sexual assault

This is the story of Hamou Badi, from a rural village in Morocco who does well enough in school that his parents manage to send him to Casablanca to become a police officer, one of the few government positions available under French colonial rule. Ever since he found a dead woman as a boy and her demise was never investigated, he has wanted to set that aright and use law enforcement as a way of helping people. Unfortunately that does not turn out to be the case with the French - both the laws and the enforcement are strictly for the advantage of the French. With increasing rebellion to authoritarian rule rising up around him, Hamou is torn between the French and his job, and the people he loves.
This was good historical fiction, but not great. It is slow and meandering for the first half, and Hamou's hesitant nature can be annoying. Every bit of local color and culture is necessary to keep the reader interested until the story really starts to take off once Hamou finally makes a decision of sorts. Hamou's blossoming in his new position once he returns to his village (a rather weak plot twist) is vastly more interesting and entertaining, as are the secondary characters there. First half 3 stars, second half 4 stars.

Read if you like: character-driven stories, slow-paced.
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The book follows Hamou Badi, a member of the French police in Morocco, even though he is also a Moroccan who wants to see an independent Morocco. We read about his life and his experiences, both in Casablanca and in the countryside.
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I was really excited about this book and it was an interesting exploration of Badi's experiences, but I wanted to see more about The Black Crescent, which was the nationalist group fighting for independence. Badi was not a member and was minimally connected, and I expected more as it was the title of this book.

This novel transported me to the setting in Morocco following a young Moroccan man, who is a zhoury. I thought he was a vivid character, and the plot was intriguing from page one. However, I felt that the two halves of this novel were disjointed. There was a shift from this intense journey to a calmer resolution for the main character. However, this transition was not seamless taking away from my enjoyment of the novel as a whole.

I just finished The Black Crescent by Jane Johnson and here are my musings.

I love historical fiction and this one had the promise of some fantasy thrown in there too. Hamou finds the body of a dead murdered woman and it sets him on a journey to become an officer of the law so he leaves him home intending to do good in the world.

Realizing that the world isn’t as clear cut as good and evil, right and wrong has Hamou caught in a dangerous crossfire during a time of great turmoil.

Hamou is touched by the djinn so I was expecting some more fantasy than I got from this book. The pace was relatively slow and that was a real shame because the plot had amazing potential but it missed the mark a bit for me.

The book is set in Morocco in the 50s when the country is trying to free itself from French rule. That part was great, I think if you go in looking for a solid historical fiction, you won’t be disappointed but if it's a fantasy you want… Well I probably wouldn’t recommend it.

I was hoping for a bit more from this book but it was well written and the research must have taken a lot of time and honestly, I am glad I read it.

3.5 stars

Thank you @simonschulsterca for my gifted copy and to @netgalley for my digital copy.

This book was incredibly interesting. The overall complexities of the cultures of the Moroccan people and the French overseers is intriguing. You follow a fantastically written character, Hamou, from being a police officer (for the French) to a village go-to-guy (zouhry). The character development is so well done! This is a fantastic character driven novel filled with culture, customs and politics.