Abd-el-Kader (novel)

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Abd-el-Kader : Novel from the Moroccan Atlas is a novel published by John Knittel in 1930 in the English original under the title Midnight People .

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On an inspection trip, the commander-in-chief in southern Morocco , General de Sonloup, and his daughter Renée are attacked and kidnapped by the fighters of Abd-el-Kader. The prisoners are taken to the village of Chechrell in the interior of the Atlas Mountains , the center of Abd-el-Kader's sphere of influence. A ransom is to be extorted for the general, with which Abd-el-Kader wants to continue to finance his fight for freedom against the colonial regime of France. While Renée is kept prisoner in the Harem Abd-el-Kaders in comfortable conditions, the general suffers in appalling conditions in prison.

The fact that he achieved military successes but had a shortage of ammunition and money prompted Abd-el-Kader on a diplomatic mission to Fez to the French headquarters - which he undertook incognito himself. The proposal of a division of territory and recognition of his rule met with rejection there. Abd-el-Kader leaves with no result.

During the absence of Abd-el-Kader, General de Sonloud receives help from his mother Fatima, who was Sonloup's lover at a young age and whose son is Abd-el-Kader - which she keeps a secret. She bribes the guards and provides him with food. Renée and Abd-el-Kader, who know nothing about their relatives, feel sympathy for one another. She can win his trust and that of his children. She is still left in the dark about her father's fate. His health has deteriorated due to the conditions in which he was detained. But Renée can send him a package in which she smuggles a pistol.

After Abd-el-Kader returned from Fez, the guerrilla war continued successfully and his reputation among the population increased. The city is bombed while preparing for a festival. His young son is killed in the air raid. Abd-el-Kader is elected emir and proclaims the jihad. Renée accompanies him on his campaign against the French.

In the meantime, Mother Fatima helps the general to escape and places him with one of her confidants. There Sonloup learns her identity and guesses the secret of Abd-el-Kader's ancestry. The place is bombed a second time. Renée persuades Abd-el-Kader to make another comparison with the French and offers herself as a negotiator. She travels to the French headquarters in Fez, but her attempt at mediation is also in vain.

When they return together, Abd-el-Kader and Renée are enthusiastically received. The population honors Renée's commitment to peace. In the crowd, she meets her father, who accuses her of betraying France. He demands an interview with Abd-el-Kader. He suspects no harm and receives the general alone. De Sonloup calls him a rebel and enemy of France. He draws his gun and shoots him. He is killed by the guards who storm in. When Renée arrives at the palace, she sees the women of Abd-el-Kader throw themselves down from the tower. She runs up and is able to save Abd-el-Kader’s little daughter.

Historical template

John Knittel used the person of Abd-el-Kader for a story that he relocated to southern Morocco in the 1920s. The historical Abd-el-Kader fought in Algeria in the 30s and 40s of the 19th century and died of old age in Damascus.

expenditure

  • John Knittel: Abd-el-Kader: Novel from the Moroccan Atlas. Orell Füssli Verlag, Zurich 1930.
  • John Knittel: Abd-el-Kader: Novel from the Moroccan Atlas. Wilhelm Heyne Verlag, Munich 1993.

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