Hoursthe 2024 Goncourt Prize signed by Kamel daoud is banned in Algeria because it evokes the massacres of the “black decade”.Because of this very reason, the Goncourt academy has decided that its Algerian version will not take place this year.
Algeria will not have the right to proceed with the election of the “Goncourt choice” in 2025, one of the candidate books, that of the French-Algerian Kamel Daoud, is banned in this country, the Goncourt Academy announced on Tuesday 3 December.
The most prestigious literary prize is divided into national competitions involving juries of french-speaking students, with the support of the French Institute.
“The Goncourt Academy, meeting on december 3, 2024, decided to suspend the Goncourt choice of Algeria,” the Goncourt Prize jury indicated in a press release.
The reason is the impossibility of Hours by Kamel Daoud to compete, according to the Algerian law which prohibits any book that evokes the massacres of the “black decade” (1992-2002).
Academy rejection
The Academy “cannot accept” that this novel “is banned in this country and that its publisher is banned from the Algiers Book Fair,” he added. Gallimard editions were unable to participate in this exhibition, organized from 6 to 16 November.
The jurors also expressed their solidarity with another Franco-Algerian writer,Boualem Sansal,who was arrested in mid-November at Algiers airport and has since been imprisoned for endangering state security.
“At a time when the writer Boualem Sansal is arbitrarily imprisoned because of his writings and comments, she [l’Académie Goncourt] reiterates its condemnation of any attack on freedom of expression,” the panel wrote.
Controversial price
Kamel Daoud won the Goncourt Prize on November 4. Two weeks later, in a complaint against him and his psychiatrist wife, an algerian woman accused him of having masterminded the plot Hours about his personal history, without his consent, and despite having initially refused a sum of money for it.
Goncourt’s choice of Algeria in 2024, for its sixth edition, involved a hundred jurors, most of them high school or university students, coming from ten cities.
Interview with a Literary expert: The Implications of Banning Kamel Daoud’s “Hours” in Algeria
Date: December 4, 2024
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amira Larbi, a noted expert in Middle Eastern literature and culture. We’ll discuss the recent decision by the Goncourt Academy to suspend the Algerian version of the prestigious Goncourt Prize in response to the ban on Kamel Daoud’s novel “Hours.”
Q: Can you explain why Kamel daoud’s “Hours” has been banned in Algeria?
Dr.Larbi: Certainly. The novel “Hours” touches upon the sensitive topic of the “black decade” in Algeria, a period from 1992 to 2002 marked by significant violence and civil strife. the Algerian government has strict laws that prohibit literature discussing these events, as it can be perceived as a threat to state security and stability. This ban effectively silences voices critical of the government,which is alarming for those who advocate for freedom of expression.
Q: What does the Goncourt Academy’s decision to suspend the “Goncourt choice” of Algeria signify?
Dr. Larbi: The Academy’s decision underscores the importance of protecting literary freedom and addressing censorship. By not allowing the Goncourt choice to proceed, they are sending a strong message against the suppression of thought and expression. The cancellation of the Algerian competition reflects the broader challenges authors face in countries with authoritarian regimes, where literature can become a battleground for political control.
Q: How does Kamel Daoud’s situation relate to the broader context of literary censorship in Algeria?
Dr. Larbi: Daoud’s case is emblematic of a systemic issue in Algerian literature. His recent award, followed by the banning of his book, reveals a problematic contradiction: while his work is celebrated internationally, it is together suppressed at home. This not only stifles Daoud’s voice but also deprives the Algerian public of engaging with significant literary discussions about their own history and identity.
Q: The Goncourt Academy also expressed solidarity with Boualem Sansal, who was imprisoned recently. What does this solidarity mean for writers working in repressive environments?
Dr.Larbi: Solidarity among literary communities is crucial, especially for writers facing persecution. It draws attention to their struggles and can mobilize international support, making it harder for authoritarian regimes to silence dissent. This kind of collective action fosters resilience and encourages writers to continue expressing their views, despite the risks involved.It reinforces the idea that their voices matter and that the global literary community stands with them.
Q: What can readers and aspiring writers do to support freedom of expression in literature?
Dr.Larbi: Readers can start by engaging with and promoting the works of authors facing censorship. Supporting independent bookstores, attending literary events, and participating in discussions about freedom of expression are also vital. For writers, it’s essential to remain steadfast in their convictions and use their platforms to highlight issues of injustice and censorship. There are manny international organizations dedicated to supporting persecuted writers, and getting involved with such groups can make a tangible difference.
Q: in your view, what does this situation mean for the future of literature in Algeria?
Dr. Larbi: The future of literature in Algeria is uncertain, but it’s not without hope. While censorship presents significant obstacles, the growing acknowledgment of these issues on international platforms is promising. Literature has always been a powerful tool for resistance and change.If writers like Daoud and Sansal can continue to inspire dialog about their complex realities,there’s potential for a literary renaissance,even under oppressive regimes.
Editor: thank you,Dr. Larbi, for your insights on this vital topic. It underscores the importance of preserving literary freedoms and the role that writers play in shaping cultural narratives.