Algerian author Kamel Daoud has made history by winning France’s prestigious Goncourt prize for his novel "Houris", which recounts the horrific events of Algeria's 1990s civil war. This period saw countless massacres, which claimed up to 200,000 lives amid a violent struggle between Islamists and the army. The protagonist, Fajr (meaning Dawn), bears the physical and emotional scars of her traumatic past. Despite the book's critical acclaim, there is little chance it will be widely read in Algeria. The novel lacks a local publisher, and Daoud’s success has hardly been covered by Algerian media, as he continues to face potential legal repercussions for discussing sensitive historical topics. Under the 2005 reconciliation law, addressing Algeria’s tragic past can lead to criminal charges. Daoud, once a journalist who witnessed the civil war's brutality firsthand, has become a polarizing figure; some view him as a traitor, while others celebrate his literary genius. After relocating to France in 2020, Daoud expressed the freedom to write that he found there, noting that writing requires not just a desk but a supportive environment.
Algerian Author Wins Prestigious Goncourt Prize Amid Silence at Home

Algerian Author Wins Prestigious Goncourt Prize Amid Silence at Home
Kamel Daoud's novel about Algeria's civil war sheds light on women's suffering during this dark period.
Despite its acclaim, Daoud's work faces significant censorship and lack of visibility in Algeria.