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A long way from home
A long way from home

Chapter XIII

Chapter 13 of A long way from home is here in full — 400 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/80 · 5 lines
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I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.
Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.
It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.
Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.
I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A long way from home

Chapter XIII

Chapter 13 of A long way from home is here in full — 400 sentences across 80 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/80 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.
Line 2
Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.
Line 3
It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.
/ɪt ɪz ə ˈsepəreɪt ˈlɪtəl wɔːld taʊn wɪð ɪts oʊn ʃɑːps ənd pəˈliːs ənd mjuːˈzɪʃənz/
Line 4
Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.
/ərˈeɪd ɪn ˈrɪtʃli ˈflaʊərd ənd luːs roʊbz held ɪn pleɪs baɪ ɪˈnɔːrməsli brɔːd emˈbrɔɪdərd belts ənd ˈskwɑːtɪŋ wɪð ðə ˈdɪɡnəti ʌv kwiːnz ðə jʌŋ ˈfiːmeɪlz huː teɪk ʌp ˈrezɪdəns ðer ˈtʃɑːrmɪŋli dɪˈspens mɪnt tiː ənd ˈwɪti ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən tuː ˈsɜːrkəlz ʌv ˈiːɡər jʌŋ men/
Line 5
I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.
/aɪ θɔːt ðæt ðæt ænˈtiːk ˈæfrəkən ˈsɪti wɑːz ðə ˌʌnəˈwer ˈkiːpər ʌv ðə kʌp ʌv ˈɪrɑːs kənˈteɪnɪŋ ə ˈlɪtəl ʌv ðə pərˈfjuːm ʌv ðə ˈflaʊər ʌv ðə ˈpæʃən ʌv ˈeɪn.ʃənt ɡriːs/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

charmingly adverb US /ˈtʃɑːrmɪŋli/

in a charming manner

From this reading “Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.”

Eros noun US /ˈɪrɑːs/

(Greek mythology) god of love; son of Aphrodite; identified with Roman Cupid

From this reading “I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.”

feasts noun US /fiːsts/

plural of “feast” — a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading “I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.”

flamenco noun US /fləˈmeŋkoʊ/

guitar music composed for dancing the flamenco

flowered adjective US /ˈflaʊərd/

resembling or made of or suggestive of flowers

From this reading “Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.”

mint noun US /mɪnt/

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading “Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.”

squatting noun US /ˈskwɑːtɪŋ/

exercising by repeatedly assuming a crouching position with the knees bent; strengthens the leg muscles

From this reading “Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.”

turbans noun US /ˈtɜːrbənz/

plural of “turban” — a traditional Muslim headdress consisting of a long scarf wrapped around the head

From this reading “I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

marriage feasts noun + noun counted as “marriage feast”

In this reading “I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.”

young men adjective + noun

In this reading “Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.”

take up verb + adjective

pursue or resume

In this reading “Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.”

All words in this reading · 99

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

Abdallah

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

AfricanadjectiveUS /ˈæfrəkən/

of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

antiqueadjectiveUS /ænˈtiːk/

made in or typical of earlier times and valued for its age

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

ArrayedadjectiveUS /ərˈeɪd/

in ceremonial attire and paraphernalia

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

beltsnounUS /belts/

plural of “belt” — endless loop of flexible material between two rotating shafts or pulleys

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

broadadjectiveUS /brɔːd/

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

charminglyadverbUS /ˈtʃɑːrmɪŋli/

in a charming manner

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

circlesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəlz/

plural of “circle” — ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

citynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

containingverbUS /kənˈteɪnɪŋ/

-ing form of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

conversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

cooladjectiveUS /kuːl/

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

cous-cous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

cupnounUS /kʌp/

a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

dancingnounUS /ˈdænsɪŋ/

taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

dignitynounUS /ˈdɪɡnəti/

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

dishnounUS /dɪʃ/

a piece of dishware normally used as a container for holding or serving food

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

dispenseverbUS /dɪˈspens/

administer or bestow, as in small portions

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

drinkverbUS /drɪŋk/

take in liquids

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

eatverbUS /iːt/

take in solid food

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

embroideredverbUS /emˈbrɔɪdərd/

past form of “embroider” — decorate with needlework

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

enormouslyadverbUS /ɪˈnɔːrməsli/

extremely

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

ErosnounUS /ˈɪrɑːs/

(Greek mythology) god of love; son of Aphrodite; identified with Roman Cupid

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

Fassis

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.

fatmas

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

feastsnounUS /fiːsts/

plural of “feast” — a ceremonial dinner party for many people

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

femalesnounUS /ˈfiːmeɪlz/

plural of “female” — an animal that produces gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

flamenconounUS /fləˈmeŋkoʊ/

guitar music composed for dancing the flamenco

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

flowernounUS /ˈflaʊər/

a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

floweredadjectiveUS /ˈflaʊərd/

resembling or made of or suggestive of flowers

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

fondouks

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

gardensnounUS /ˈɡɑːrdənz/

plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

garçonnières

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

GreecenounUS /ɡriːs/

a republic in southeastern Europe on the southern part of the Balkan peninsula; known for grapes and olives and olive oil

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

heldadjectiveUS /held/

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

intimateadjectiveUS /ˈɪntəmət/

marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

invitedverbUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtəd/

past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

keepernounUS /ˈkiːpər/

someone in charge of other people

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

lanounUS /lɑː/

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

looseadjectiveUS /luːs/

not compact or dense in structure or arrangement

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

marriagenounUS /ˈmerɪdʒ/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

menthe

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

mintnounUS /mɪnt/

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

Moulay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

musiciansnounUS /mjuːˈzɪʃənz/

plural of “musician” — someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

paradisenounUS /ˈperədaɪs/

any place of complete bliss and delight and peace

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

passionnounUS /ˈpæʃən/

a strong feeling or emotion

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

perfumenounUS /pərˈfjuːm/

a distinctive odor that is pleasant

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

placenounUS /pleɪs/

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

policenounUS /pəˈliːs/

the force of policemen and officers

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

princelyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪnsli/

ostentatiously rich and superior in quality

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

profaneadjectiveUS /proʊˈfeɪn/

characterized by profanity or cursing

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

quarternounUS /ˈkwɔːrtər/

one of four equal parts

From this reading Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.

queensnounUS /kwiːnz/

a borough of New York City

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

recreationnounUS /ˌrekriˈeɪʃən/

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.

residencenounUS /ˈrezɪdəns/

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

richlyadverbUS /ˈrɪtʃli/

to an ample degree or in an ample manner

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

robesnounUS /roʊbz/

plural of “robe” — any loose flowing garment

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

separateverbUS /ˈsepəreɪt/

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

shopsnounUS /ʃɑːps/

plural of “shop” — a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

squattingnounUS /ˈskwɑːtɪŋ/

exercising by repeatedly assuming a crouching position with the knees bent; strengthens the leg muscles

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/

impressive in appearance

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

teanounUS /tiː/

a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

thé

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

townnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

turbansnounUS /ˈtɜːrbənz/

plural of “turban” — a traditional Muslim headdress consisting of a long scarf wrapped around the head

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

unawareadjectiveUS /ˌʌnəˈwer/

(often followed by “of”) not aware

From this reading I thought that that antique African city was the unaware keeper of the cup of Eros containing a little of the perfume of the flower of the passion of ancient Greece.

uniqueadjectiveUS /juːˈniːk/

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

walledverbUS /wɔːld/

past form of “wall” — surround with a wall in order to fortify

From this reading It is a separate little walled town with its own shops and police and musicians.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

wittyadjectiveUS /ˈwɪti/

combining clever conception and facetious expression

From this reading Arrayed in richly flowered and loose robes held in place by enormously broad embroidered belts and squatting with the dignity of queens, the young females who take up residence there charmingly dispense mint tea and witty conversation to circles of eager young men.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Moulay Abdallah is the unique recreation quarter of the young Fassis.

à

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I was invited to princely marriage feasts, to eat _cous-cous_ from a common dish with stately old "turbans," to drink _thé à la menthe_ in cool gardens, to the intimate _flamenco_ dancing of fatmas in the _garçonnières_ of _fondouks_ and to the profane paradise of Moulay Abdallah.

Chapter 13 of A long way from home by Claude McKay holds 400 sentences, grouped into 80 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 13 of A long way from home contain?

Chapter 13 holds 400 sentences of A long way from home, unabridged, divided into 80 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 13 of A long way from home by Claude McKay exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 400 sentences, grouped into 80 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 13 of A long way from home?

Work through the 80 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 80 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 13 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 13 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading A long way from home

Common questions about reading A long way from home by Claude McKay on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of A long way from home?

Yes. All 5632 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #71744 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of A long way from home is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #71744, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does A long way from home take to read?

About 469 minutes of reading across 1127 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read A long way from home section by section

How to work through A long way from home section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in A long way from home

Words and structures a reader meets early in A long way from home, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Furman
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A long way from home; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Permission
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A long way from home; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Reprint
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A long way from home; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Poems
A word that appears in the opening chapter of A long way from home; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.