In Arabic, the word 'Makbara' refers to those parts of North African cemeteries where young couples go to get away from their elders and hang out. A celebration of Amour Fou, Makbara reveals Goytisolo's deep love for Arabic culture seen as sensuous and lewd in contrast to the drab sterility of the West. In a series of scenes, pastiches and travelling shots, Goytisolo exposes cultural, sexual and political oppression. The author's message is of liberation through sex which, as he says, 'is above all freedom'.