What Year Is 'In Morocco' Set In?

The protagonist of 'In Morocco' is a fascinating figure who embodies the spirit of exploration and cultural immersion. This character isn’t just a passive observer but actively engages with the rich tapestry of Moroccan life, from the bustling markets to the serene landscapes. Their journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about understanding the complexities of Moroccan society. The narrative delves into their interactions with locals, revealing layers of tradition, conflict, and beauty. What makes this protagonist stand out is their nuanced perspective. They don’t romanticize or criticize Morocco but present it through a lens of genuine curiosity and respect. Their experiences—whether navigating political tensions or savoring local cuisine—paint a vivid picture of a land at the crossroads of history and modernity. The protagonist’s voice is both reflective and engaging, making 'In Morocco' a compelling read for anyone interested in travel literature or cultural studies.

I’ve dug through every corner of the literary world trying to find more of 'In Morocco,' and honestly, it’s a standalone gem that doesn’t have any official sequels or prequels. Edith Wharton crafted this travelogue with such vivid detail about Morocco’s landscapes and culture that it feels complete on its own. The book immerses you in the early 20th-century Moroccan society, from the bustling markets to the quiet, sunlit courtyards, and it doesn’t leave gaps begging for continuation. Wharton’s prose is so rich that it almost feels like a sequel would dilute the magic—like trying to add another layer to a perfectly painted canvas. That said, if you’re craving more of her writing, her other works like 'The Age of Innocence' or 'House of Mirth' offer that same sharp observational style, though they dive into different settings and themes. What’s fascinating is how 'In Morocco' stands apart from her fiction. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time, a cultural exploration rather than a narrative with loose ends. Some readers might wish for a sequel to revisit Morocco through her eyes decades later, but the book’s power lies in its singularity. It captures a Morocco on the cusp of change, and that’s something a sequel might struggle to replicate. If you’re looking for something similar, Paul Bowles’ 'The Sheltering Sky' or Tahir Shah’s travel writings might scratch that itch, though they’re not direct continuations. Wharton’s work is a masterpiece precisely because it doesn’t overstay its welcome—it leaves you longing for more, but in the best way possible.

The main conflict in 'In Morocco' revolves around cultural clashes and the tension between tradition and modernity. The protagonist, often an outsider, navigates a world where Moroccan customs and Western expectations collide. This isn't just about personal adaptation—it's a deeper struggle where colonial influences, local resistance, and the weight of history shape every interaction. The vivid descriptions of markets, rituals, and landscapes aren't just backdrop; they mirror the friction between preserving identity and embracing change. The book also delves into internal conflicts, like the protagonist's moral dilemmas when faced with poverty or gender inequalities. Some scenes highlight the stark contrast between romanticized European views of Morocco and its gritty realities. The conflict isn't neatly resolved, leaving readers to ponder whether understanding can ever bridge such divides. It's a raw, immersive exploration of place and perspective.

I've read 'In Morocco' several times, and while it's not a documentary, it's deeply rooted in real experiences. Edith Wharton wrote it after her travels through Morocco in 1917, during World War I. The book captures the country's landscapes, architecture, and culture with vivid detail, blending her personal observations with historical context. It's not a fictional story but rather a travelogue, so it doesn't have invented characters or plots. Instead, Wharton describes real places like Fez and Marrakech, offering insights into Moroccan society at the time. If you're looking for a pure novel, this isn't it, but if you want an authentic glimpse into early 20th-century Morocco through a sharp observer's eyes, it delivers brilliantly.

As someone who's traveled extensively, 'In Morocco' struck me with its vivid portrayal of Moroccan culture through sensory overload. The markets burst with colors—saffron, cobalt, emerald—while the air carries overlapping scents of mint tea, leather, and spices. The book captures how time moves differently there, with siestas breaking the day into languid halves and nights alive with storytelling in riads. What fascinated me most was the depiction of hospitality traditions, where sharing food isn't just politeness but sacred duty. The layered architecture mirrors societal hierarchies, from bustling medinas to secluded courtyards where women govern domestic spheres. The author nails how Islam permeates daily rhythms without dominating every interaction, showing prayers coexisting with haggling merchants and children's laughter.

I get a little giddy whenever the Morocco section of 'Babel' comes up in conversation — it’s one of those parts of a film that smells like dust and mint tea to me. The Moroccan sequences were shot in the High Atlas mountain regions and nearby rural areas, where the story follows two boys and their family. You can see the filmmakers leaning into the stark, beautiful contrast between dry, rocky passes and small Berber villages; that sense of isolation and tight-knit community is really anchored by shooting in actual mountain settlements rather than studio backlots. People often mention Ouarzazate and the surrounding areas as the sort of filmmaking hub for Morocco, and while the film uses a variety of small villages and mountain roads, the visual language strongly evokes the Tizi n’Tichka pass and the communities scattered along the High Atlas foothills. There are also desert-edge sequences and roadside vistas that look like the approach to southern towns — the kind of places where you’d find local markets, goats, and long stretches of sunbaked earth. Visiting spots like that years after seeing the film, I was struck by how much the environment becomes a character: the narrow alleys, the rooftop views where people hang laundry, and the small cafés. If you’re a fan and you travel to Morocco, look for towns around Ouarzazate and routes into the High Atlas — you’ll recognize the terrain and some of the small architectural details. Local guides love to point out where filmmakers have worked, and some villages are proud of their brief cameo in international cinema. I also picked up tidbits from locals about how productions handle language and logistics there, which is always fun: a mix of translators, local fixers, and huge patience for unpredictable weather or road closures. On the Japan side, 'Babel' shifts tone completely and the production moved into urban Tokyo to film the story of the mother and daughter. The Japanese scenes were shot around modern city neighborhoods — think the kind of dense streets, apartment blocks, and school settings you see in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and pockets of central Tokyo — places that convey anonymity and sensory overload. There are also quieter suburban or coastal moments that suggest areas in greater Tokyo or nearby Kanagawa prefecture, giving the daughter’s arc a different, more intimate feel. The contrast between Morocco’s sweeping landscapes and Tokyo’s claustrophobic urbanity is one of the film’s most memorable choices, and seeing both sets of locations makes the film feel globe-spanning in a very tactile way. If you love location hunting, plan for very different experiences: mountain passes and small-town hospitality in Morocco, vs. packed streets, neon, and compact apartments in Tokyo.