The recognition for the novel «Houris», which recounts the massacres of the «black decade» in his country. In Italy it will be published in May by La nave di Teseo
The French-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud, 54, is the winner of the Prix Goncourt 2024 with the novel Hours (Gallimard), set in Algeria during the civil war and Islamist massacres. The jurors, gathered as every year at the Drouant restaurant, awarded the prize to the great favorite Daoud and to a novel already at the top of the best-selling charts since it came out last August, despite Hours is not an easy literary work.
The success of Hours could aggravate the difficulties of Daoud, who has been a refugee in France for years, in his country of origin, because a 2005 law - cited in the exergue – promises up to five years in prison to anyone who dares to evoke ”the black decade”that is, the period from January 1992 to February 2002 when the massacres committed by the Algerian army and Islamist groups caused over one hundred thousand deaths and one million displaced persons. Despite this prohibition, Douad makes the black decade the heart of his novel.
The first reaction, a few moments after learning that he had won one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the world, Daoud entrusted it to posting a photo of his parents with these words: «It is your dream, paid for with the years of your life. To my deceased father. To my mother who is still alive, but who no longer remembers anything. There is no word that can truly say thank you.”
Arriving at the restaurant, the writer on his third novel said in front of the cameras that «it’s not easy to talk about a war. It takes time, mourning, words, distance. The novel was born because I came to France, which is a country that gives me the freedom to write. France is a country that protects writers, this must always be remembered. You need three things to write: a table, a chair and a country. And I have all three».
Kamel Daoud was born in Mostaganem on June 17, 1970, the eldest of six brothers. He began writing as a journalist in the news magazine «Detective» and then in the French-speaking newspaper «Le Quotidien d’Oran». In 2014 he was the subject of a fatwa by an Algerian imamwho accused him of having questioned the truth of the Koran and Islamic law during an interview on French TV. The first novel in 2015 The Meursault caserevisiting the Foreigner by Albert Camus. In 2018 Kamel Daoud received the Maria Grazia Cutuli award from «Corriere della Sera».
Like the previous novels, too Hours will be published in Italy by La nave di Teseo, in May 2025. «I am proud of this recognition to Kamel Daoud because the Goncourt rewards an author of undisputed quality but also a courageous intellectual whose voice has risen loudly in recent years with a powerful message against all violence”, said its Italian publisher, Elisabetta Sgarbi.
November 4, 2024 (changed November 4, 2024 | 4:15 pm)
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Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the impactful work of Kamel Daoud, the renowned French-Algerian writer who was just awarded the prestigious Prix Goncourt 2024 for his novel Hours. Joining me is Dr. Sarah El-Hadi, a literary critic and expert in post-colonial literature. Thank you for being here today, Dr. El-Hadi.
Dr. Sarah El-Hadi: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss Daoud’s work and its significance, especially in the context of Algeria’s tumultuous history.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Hours focuses on the dark period known as the “black decade,” during the Algerian Civil War, where over a hundred thousand lives were lost. How significant do you think it is for Daoud to bring this narrative to the forefront, especially knowing the legal constraints in Algeria against discussing this period?
Dr. Sarah El-Hadi: It is incredibly significant. Daoud’s decision to center his narrative on the “black decade” is an act of resistance. The 2005 law that criminalizes discussing this topic not only silences victims but also erases history. By writing Hours, Daoud challenges this oppression and creates a space for dialogue about trauma and remembrance.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful perspective. Daoud described the process of writing about war as something that requires “time, mourning, words, and distance.” Can you elaborate on the emotional complexity involved in writing about such painful experiences?
Dr. Sarah El-Hadi: Writing about war is inherently difficult—it’s not just a recounting of events but a deep exploration of loss, trauma, and the heavy burden of memory. For Daoud, moving to France allowed him the distance he needed. France represents a haven for creative freedom, which is critical for artists facing oppression. His mention of needing “a table, a chair, and a country” speaks volumes about the basic conditions required for any serious writer to thrive.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how he illustrates the relationship between a writer and their environment. Daoud’s homage to his family in his acceptance speech also caught attention. His words were heartfelt, especially regarding his mother’s fading memory. How do you interpret this reflection on personal history within the context of his broader narrative?
Dr. Sarah El-Hadi: Daoud’s acknowledgment of his parents signifies the intertwined nature of personal and collective history. His mother’s fading memory could symbolize the larger societal memory loss perpetuated by censorship in Algeria. By grounding his novel in personal experiences, Daoud affirms that individual stories are crucial in understanding collective trauma. It signifies hope that these stories will not be forgotten, even as some memories fade.
Time.news Editor: Very insightful. As Hours gains recognition in literary circles, do you think this could impact Kamel Daoud’s safety or freedom as an artist living in exile?
Dr. Sarah El-Hadi: It’s certainly a concern. Winning the Prix Goncourt elevates Daoud’s platform and brings attention to his work, which could provoke backlash from those in power in Algeria. The very act of storytelling is a form of defiance, and unfortunately, such acts can lead to increased scrutiny or hostility. The world needs to rally behind voices like Daoud’s to ensure his safety and continue the dialogue he has sparked.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Hadi, for sharing your thoughts and insights on Kamel Daoud’s remarkable achievement. It’s essential to engage with the stories and memories that shape our understanding of history, especially those that have been silenced.
Dr. Sarah El-Hadi: Thank you for facilitating this conversation. Daoud’s work is a vital reminder of the power of literature to confront difficult truths.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us. Keep an eye out for the release of Hours in Italy this May. It’s a book that promises to resonate on many levels, both personally and politically. Until next time!