Algerian author Kamel Daoud has made history by winning France's distinguished Goncourt literary prize for his novel "Houris," which delves into Algeria's devastating civil war of the 1990s—a period marked by violence that left around 200,000 people dead. The story revolves around Fajr, a woman who survived a brutal attack by Islamist fighters, and conveys the harrowing tales of those affected during Algeria’s "dark decade."
The Goncourt committee praised "Houris" for its powerful narrative that confronts the suffering of women during this tumultuous time, stating that it "traces another path for memory, beside the historical account." However, the irony is palpable, as the novel currently lacks an Algerian publisher, and Daoud’s Goncourt success has yet to be covered in Algerian media outlets.
Daoud, now residing in Paris, has faced potential legal repercussions under a 2005 law that criminalizes discussions that “instrumentalize” the painful memories of the civil war. He expressed concern that the war is seldom taught in schools, leaving the younger generation unaware of their nation's history.
During his time as a journalist in Algeria, Daoud witnessed firsthand the aftermath of the massacres, often reporting under government pressure that influenced representation of casualty counts. His critical stance against the current regime has made him a polarizing figure within Algeria; while deemed a genius by some, others consider him a traitor for his outspoken remarks.
Throughout the years, Daoud has continually challenged the official narratives around Algeria's past. He articulated a desire for readers to reflect on the costs of freedom, particularly concerning women's rights. After relocating to France in 2020—what he describes as an exile—Daoud acknowledged the creative freedom the country provided him, stating that to write, he needed "three things: a table, a chair, and a country."
This award shines a light on Daoud's influence and the stark contrasts between literary recognition in France and the silence surrounding his work back in Algeria, revealing the complex nature of cultural expression within the nation.
