The Backstreet Café in Casablanca evoked a sense of mystery and danger for the author, Tahir Shah. It was a place that felt alive, imbued with a unique soul that intrigued him. He sensed a certain rawness in the environment, where people seemed to navigate life without the usual safety nets, creating an atmosphere that was both thrilling and precarious.

Shah expressed a deep desire to not only visit but to immerse himself in the vibrant life of the city. The intensity of the experience stirred an appreciation and longing within him, highlighting his fascination with the complexities that define urban living in Casablanca.