[2] It explores, through an adult's memories of commonplace events in his childhood, his perception and emotional relationship with his parents.

[3][4] Surrounded by the love, passion and drama of life, in quiet times the boy can always return to his secret box of marvels.

[8] Extracts from the book have been used for the first year Baccalauréat examinations by the French and Moroccan ministries of Education.

He evokes memories of the Moorish Bath and his "box of wonders" where he keeps special objects that he finds, which give him comfort.

Tired, the child doesn’t go to m'sid the next day and instead describes the morning routine at home, the origins of his parents, and his memories of the unpleasant Driss, his father’s apprentice.

In the evening, when noticing that Fatima Bziouiya uses an oil lamp, Lalla Zoubida insists that her husband buy one the next day.

As a gesture of gratitude to God, Rahma prepares a meal for beggars, and all the neighbors join in with goodwill.

The narrator then recalls the death of Sidi Tahar Ben Billion, a scene he witnessed that gave him nightmares.

The narrator then shares the story of Lalla Khadija and her husband’s uncle Othman, as told by Rhima to the neighbors.

On Ashura, the child wakes up early, puts on his new clothes, and goes to m'sid to celebrate the special day.

One day, the narrator's father decides to take his wife and son to the souk to buy jewelry bracelets.

One day, the mother visits her friend Lalla Aicha, who suggests consulting a soothsayer, Si el Arafi.

Salama visits and recounts her role in the marriage of Larbi’s daughter, the hairdresser, and the problems of the new couple.