bbc.com
Algerian Civil War Novel Wins Top French Award
Kamel Daoud's novel about Algeria's civil war wins the Goncourt Prize, sparking controversy due to its suppressed subject matter in Algeria.
English
United Kingdom
PoliticsFranceAfricaControversyCivil WarLiteratureRepression
Goncourt AcademyGallimardQuotidien D'oran
Kamel DaoudFajr
- What challenges did Daoud face in writing the book?
- Despite the award, Daoud's work remains largely unknown in Algeria, due to the country's restrictive laws regarding discussion of the civil war.
- How does the book contribute to historical understanding?
- Daoud, who was a journalist during the war, faced challenges recounting the atrocities, as authorities manipulated death tolls and the government seeks to suppress the events.
- What is significant about the book's reception in Algeria?
- The book, written in French, gives voice to the suffering, particularly of women, during the conflict, offering a different perspective on the historical record.
- What is the main subject of Kamel Daoud's award-winning novel?
- Kamel Daoud's novel, "Houris," which recounts Algeria's 1990s civil war, has won the prestigious Goncourt Prize.
- What is the significance of the Goncourt Prize for Daoud and Algeria?
- The novel's success highlights the power of literature in challenging official narratives and raising awareness about overlooked historical traumas.