"An absorbing tale."--Kirkus Reviews

--The Oregonian

A "powerful debut novel. . . .The culture and politics of contemporary Morocco are well displayed in this beautifully written tale, with the talented Lalami deftly portraying Youssef's struggles for identity, work, and family. A brilliant story of alienation and desperation that easily transports readers to hot, dusty Casablanca; highly recommended."--Library Journal, starred review

--Library Journal
"Gives us an insider's view of the underlying turmoil of Morocco . . . A nuanced depiction of the roots of terrorism, written by someone who intimately knows one of the stratified societies where it grows." --The New York Times Book Review

"Lalami does an impressive job of concentrating on one young man's candide-like experiences among all sectors of a complicated society . . . She raises question after question--about privilege vs. poverty, Western commercialism vs. traditional ways, secularism vs. religion--without ever seeming to be doing more than telling a compelling story." --The Oregonian

"Lalami's depiction of Moroccan life in Secret Son, illuminating the social, political, religious and poverty issues facing its citizen--especially its still-hopeful young--is both sensitive and startling." --Los Angeles Times