The Golden Droplet

In Algeria, a blonde French woman photographs Idris, a Berber whose job is shepherding sheep. The woman is traveling with her husband. The droplet is a reference to purity, contrasted to decadence and corruption in France. Linda Brandon of The Independent stated that the cultures seen in Western countries and "social injustice" victimize Idris. Michiko Kakutani wrote that Idris is "a kind of teenage Candide". The author makes references to literary figures and anti-North African racism in France. Bruce Allen wrote in the Chicago Tribune that The Golden Droplet "aims to be a parable about the prominence of images in our imaginations, and their effects on our lives". ==Reception==

Michiko Kakutani wrote that the novel suffers in the second half, set in Paris, as parts "seem contrived". Edward Guereschi of Newsday wrote that the work, in its home country, was a bestseller. She concluded the work "ends up being satisfying neither as philosophy nor as novel." Robert Taylor of the Boston Globe wrote that he found Idris "too simple" a character, who he exemplifies the "noble savage" stereotype. Kirkus Reviews stated that the work succeeds if the audience accepts Idris's "simplicity", and that the work is intended to be "a big-picture theme" instead of analyzing characters' motivations. Publishers Weekly praised the "dazzling visual quality" of the storyline and the discussions about one's conceptions of oneself and comparisons of cultures. Guereschi stated that the novel is "a good place" to become familiar with the author's style. ==Adaptations==

There is a 1990 TV movie, directed by Marcel Bluwal. Le Monde praised the adaptation for properly condensing the text. ==References==