Kamel Daoud has made history as the first Algerian author to win the Goncourt prize, France’s top literary award, with his novel "Houris," which confronts the horrors of Algeria’s civil war during the 1990s. This dark period saw the loss of up to 200,000 lives, largely due to conflicts between Islamist factions and the army. Daoud's protagonist, Fajr, survives a brutal attack and narrates her tragic story while carrying a baby within her.
The Goncourt committee lauded the book for its poignant portrayal of women’s suffering during this turbulent time, stating that it opens a new path for remembering the past alongside historical documentation. Ironically, the reception of Daoud's work in Algeria has been muted; the book lacks local publishing, and the Algerian media has yet to report on his acclaim.
Compounding this, Daoud, who now resides in Paris, risks criminal charges for discussing Algeria’s civil war. A law from 2005 criminalizes any narrative that "instrumentalizes the wounds" from this national tragedy, rendering the civil war a taboo subject. Daoud highlighted the alarming lack of historical education about these events in schools.
As a journalist during the civil war, Daoud experienced its atrocities firsthand, witnessing the altering of death counts for political narratives. Criticized by some as a traitor for his outspoken views against the Algerian government and its handling of the past, others see him as a literary prodigy deserving recognition.
Having previously gained attention for his novel "Meursault Investigation," Daoud expresses that his freedom to write has been realized in France, stating that to write one requires basic essentials, including a supportive environment. As he reflects on his divided legacy, Daoud hopes his award-winning work ignites discussions about freedom and the importance of acknowledging all facets of history in Algeria.
