This is the story of two little girls who go to live in Morocco with their irresponsible hippie mother. The book is about their adventures. They live in a variety of places, mostly Marrakesh, but also in villages. They camp out on the beach, make friends with beggars and prostitutes in Marrakesh and live in a Sufi temple. They are always trying to make money, and the girls try to learn acrobatics, while mum makes dolls and tries to sell them on the street. When they are reduced to begging, they return to England. The people that they meet are interesting and sometimes funny.

The best thing about the book is that it is like travel writing on Morocco. The narration from the five year old is good. On the whole it is very lighthearted and inclusive, but there are one or two dark moments. At times it is also not very believable. It is an enjoyable, easy read, though. There are no great themes or any hidden depths. It was long-listed for the Orange Prize, but I am not sure why.

Anyway, give it a try if you want a light read for the beach, commuting, or bedtime.