Renowned French-Algerian author Kamel Daoud has been awarded the prestigious Goncourt Prize for his novel “Houris.” The book delves into Algeria’s tumultuous civil war during the 1990s, a period often referred to as the “black decade.”
Daoud’s novel, banned in his native Algeria, offers a poignant exploration of the war’s impact, particularly on women. The story follows a young woman who loses her voice after a horrific attack, narrating her experiences through an internal monologue.
The Goncourt Academy praised “Houris” for its lyrical exploration of tragedy and its powerful portrayal of the suffering endured by women during this dark period in Algerian history. Daoud’s work challenges the official narrative and sheds light on a painful past that Algeria has largely avoided confronting.
The author, who previously won the Goncourt First Novel Prize for “The Meursault Investigation,” has often been a vocal critic of societal issues in the Arab world. His outspokenness has led to controversy, but also to international recognition.
Daoud’s win comes amidst heightened tensions between France and Algeria. His novel, published by Gallimard, was banned from the recent Algiers International Book Fair. Despite these challenges, Daoud remains committed to using his voice to address important issues and to honor the victims of the Algerian civil war.