Physical Address
Indirizzo: Via Mario Greco 60, Buttigliera Alta, 10090, Torino, Italy
The novel “Houaria” by Algerian writer Inaam Bayoud, winner of the Assia Djebar Prize for Arabic-language novels, has sparked a lively controversy since its victory.
On social networks, pages of this literary work have circulated, revealing the use of terms deemed “inappropriate” and the use of various “insults”, thus dividing public opinion.
Some Internet users severely criticized the author and the selection committee of the Assia Djebar Prize, considering that the novel was “immoral” and “indecent”, and that it undermined the values of Algerian society as well as the city of Oran. These detractors demanded explanations on the reasons that led to the awarding of this prize to “Houaria”.
Others praised the courage of Inaam Bayoud, who wanted to break taboos and faithfully reflect reality without embellishment.
They say his work represents a mirror of everyday life, paying homage to the raw truth of human emotions and interactions.
Sources close to the author reported that she was the subject of a smear campaign orchestrated by authors who participated in the same competition without winning a prize. Despite the criticism, observers pointed out that “Houaria” was no more daring than other works by renowned Algerian authors, such as Amine Zaoui.
A central figure in the novel, Houaria is a real person in the Algerian social fabric, a fortune-teller chosen by the author to explore the depths of the human soul.
In a statement to the press, Inaam Bayoud affirmed that she had focused on authenticity, stressing the importance of being sincere in literature, by honestly describing the various feelings and interactions.
Bayoud explained that his goal was to give a voice to simple, often invisible people and to offer them a literary existence.
She also wanted to depict the city of Oran and the atmosphere that reigned there before and after the black decade, without falling into a bloody story but offering subtle allusions.
The author aspires to a work that is linguistically, socially and historically complete, allowing the ideas buried within her and in the people she knows to express themselves.
Inaam Bayoud, Algerian academic, translator, novelist and poet, has been teaching translation for over 25 years in Algerian universities.
She is the author of several literary and intellectual works, including “Literary Translation: Problems and Solutions” (2003), “The Fish Doesn’t Care” (novel, 2003), and “Unsent Letters” (poetry, 2003).
Following the criticism, the publishing house Mim, which published the novel, announced its closure. In a statement, the house said it had always sought to offer work of aesthetic and intellectual quality in Algeria, but that it would now withdraw in the face of the absurdity of the attacks.
Authors are breaking their silence and expressing their support for Inaam Bayoud. Jamila Rahal, a novelist, declared that she was “in solidarity with Inaam Bayoud, winner of the Assia Djebar Prize.
While literary prize organisers have the right to set criteria and standards for their awards, it goes without saying that transparency and consistency on these criteria, as well as respect for initial decisions, are essential to maintain the credibility of these awards and confidence in the selection process.”
She said that “freedom of expression and the creativity of authors must be respected because literature is not simply intended to entertain, it also aims to provoke and arouse reflection. The decision to withdraw a prize after the fact could create a regrettable precedent. It raises the question of censorship and arbitrariness.”
For his part, the author Djawad Rostom Touati also supported the novelist. “‘Houaria’ is one of the most beautiful novels I have read, in all languages.
Bayoud uses a high-quality style to depict the realities of the marginalized strata in Algeria, with dialogues in the Oran dialect that add realism,” he said.
And he added that “the passages, sometimes crude but never vulgar, are essential to the narration and give depth to the characters. The criticisms of these passages reveal a misunderstanding of the role of literature, which must reflect reality without embellishment and not according to criteria of propriety.”
Author Hamid Benchaar, for his part, has stated his intention to read “Houaria.” “I have always loved scandalous novels, such as ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover,’ ‘Rue Darwin,’ and ‘L’Immeuble Yacoubian.’ Now, ‘Houaria’ by Inaam Bayoud, winner of the 2024 Assia Djebar Prize, is sparking a similar controversy in Algeria, criticized by those who defend a pure Arabic language. Although I have not read it yet, I plan to do so soon, hoping that it will be translated into French.”