EXILES IN THE SAHARA

The Ibadites' flight from the Malekites is the subject for this exciting 11th century North African story. Hassoun ben Idris at 12 years of age sees his father killed by the Malekites, and joins his tribesmen in their flight into the Sahara. Hassoun's troubles are augmented by the hatred of his spoiled cousin Omar, but he finds solace with his friend Yusuf -- a blind walf, and his pet goat Jinn. More substantial problems are shared by the whole tribe --lack of water, a windstorm, the hostile Tuaregs. The Ibadites have been convincingly represented in their struggle through the desert. It is on this its value rests.