point to mention the language used to write the letter, but not the name of the person. To me this signifies the language as being the focal point of the event and not the actual person. If we look in the book, Djebar concentrates more deeply on her relationship with the French language over any other relationship that she had. It was her movement with the French language that was the binding thread throughout all of the stories. The many chapters dealing with the various Algerian wars help to emphasize this. Chapters such as The Naked Bride of Mazuna not only help to exhibit the history and struggle of Algeria, but also help to bring life to Djebars own inner struggles. She was a woman who broke free from her own personal veils and through these wars, showed us that other women before her had done the same. Therefore, when she said she was born in 1510, she was really referring to the beginning of a movement of non-traditional women. Women who like her strive to better themselves and their country through acts of courage and freedom.I found it ironic how Djebar throughout the novel hated the French invaders yet loves the language. I also find it intriguing that she did not embrace the language completely. Many times she blended in a multitude of Arabic or Berber words into her current spoken word. That brought an interesting perspective to a book originally written in French. Even though many of the words in her languages were idiaphonic, I believe that this blending showed commitment to her culture. By not surrendering completely to the French language, she manages to control the marriage and shape the relationship into something all her own. One example of this can be found when Djebar wrote about the effects of the French term Darling Pilou. She stated that, the French language could offer me all its inexhaustible treasures, but not a single one of its terms of endearment would be destined for my use(27) I feel this was a powerful ...
