Algerian Author Kamel Daoud Wins Prestigious Goncourt Prize Amidst National Silence

Kamel Daoud makes history as the first Algerian to win France's Goncourt prize with his novel "Houris," detailing the horrors of Algeria's civil war. Despite this achievement, the book's reception in Algeria is stifled by government restrictions, leaving many unaware of Daoud's success and the critical themes explored in his work.

Kamel Daoud has made headlines as the first Algerian author to win the prestigious Goncourt prize in France for his novel "Houris," a poignant exploration of Algeria's tumultuous 1990s civil war. This dark period, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 200,000 people due to conflicts involving Islamist groups and the military, is recounted through the harrowing story of the protagonist, Fajr. With a scar from a throat-cutting ordeal left by Islamist fighters, Fajr carries her trauma and her unborn child as she attempts to recount her life story.

The Goncourt committee praised the novel, describing it as a vital narrative that articulates the suffering endured, especially by women, during Algeria's "dark decade." However, the irony lies in the fact that few Algerians might ever read the work. "Houris" lacks an Algerian publisher, and the French publishing house Gallimard has been barred from participation at the Algiers Book Fair. Even Daoud's monumental award has yet to make its way into the Algerian media narrative.

Daoud's work sheds light on the stigmatization of civil war discourse in Algeria, where a 2005 reconciliation law penalizes the discussion of historical events that critics claim are misrepresented. The author expresses concern for the younger generation, emphasizing how his own daughter was shocked to learn about the civil war, which remains unaddressed in school curriculums.

Having reported firsthand on the brutality during his time as a newspaper journalist, Daoud faces backlash as he often criticizes the government's narrative surrounding Algeria's history. He perceives a contradiction where despite the Islamists losing militarily in the civil war, they have succeeded politically in shaping societal values.

His move to Paris in 2020 was driven by the desire for artistic freedom. Daoud believes that only away from Algeria’s restrictive environment could he write without fear of reprisal. The author, who also wrote "Meursault Investigation," views his Goncourt win as not just a personal achievement but as an opportunity to encourage a reevaluation of Algeria’s past, particularly the narrative surrounding women's rights and freedoms.

In a country where his views can be seen as treasonous, Daoud's literary contributions continue to polarize opinions. While some view him as a national embarrassment, many celebrate his work and the critical lens he shines on Algerian history. In his words, "To write you need three things: a table, a chair, and a country," and in France, Daoud finds the freedom necessary to explore the depths of both his and his nation’s experiences.