Kamel Daoud Wins Prix Goncourt for 'Houris', Sparking Debate in Algeria

Daoud's novel, which delves into Algeria's civil war, remains banned in his home country, highlighting ongoing tensions over historical narratives.

Kamel Daoud is the first Algerian author to win the prestigious Prix Goncourt for his novel 'Houris', which explores the Algerian civil war of the 1990s.
The book, praised for its tragic lyricism, is banned in Algeria due to a law prohibiting discussion of the civil war, reflecting the country's reluctance to address this period openly.
Daoud, who now resides in France, credits the country for providing him the freedom to write about sensitive topics that are taboo in Algeria.
The novel has sparked controversy in Algeria, where Daoud is seen by some as a traitor and by others as a courageous voice confronting difficult truths.
Despite being banned in Algeria, pirated copies of 'Houris' reportedly circulate, indicating a strong interest in the story Daoud tells.