Who Are You, Angel?

With his distinctive blend of philosophy and narrative, Ibrahim Al-Koni draws readers into the mystical world of the desert, exploring the existential tension between the freedom inherent in desert life and the restrictions imposed by urban existence. The protagonist, Messi—whose name, meaning 'Mulai' or "my lord" in the Amazigh language—embarks on a quest to legally register his son. He chooses the name 'Yogerton,' meaning "the hero of all heroes" in the Tuareg language, symbolizing the deep connection to the desert’s rich cultural heritage. Messi visits the city’s government office, hoping to secure official identification for his son, so he may receive an education.

However, the name is rejected as it’s not on the government’s approved list, and, more importantly, because it embodies the desert identity. Dr. Salah Fadl observes this profound conflict between the unbounded freedom of the desert and the rigid constraints of the city, noting: “The novel portrays this bureaucracy in a mythical way, as this poor man brings the legacy of his environment into the hallways of the civil registry, guarded by intolerant people, only to face the strangest challenges. He soon realizes that what he thought would take only a few hours will instead consume much more time. The protagonist feels as if he has descended from his place into the depths of the world.”

Messi’s pursuit of a legal identity for his son becomes a sacred mission, something he cannot abandon. The name, deeply rooted in the desert’s sacredness, is an inseparable part of his son’s identity—an identity the city cannot erase. The rejection of the desert name marks a dramatic turning point, throwing both father and son into a turmoil that reshapes their lives. Messi loses his own identification and possessions, and his world unravels.

The city’s rejection of the desert forces Messi, a man of the desert, to confront and defy the urban laws. Dr. Salah Fadl adds: “By delving into the issue of the name, which leaves the father and son without identification or employment, we uncover a deeper layer connected to the ancient norms and memory of the desert. The father is driven to make a fateful bargain, reminiscent of Faust’s pact with the devil. Messi finds himself trapped in a painful dilemma, torn between his desert conscience and his desire to fulfill his promise to secure his son’s future.”