Kamel Daoud: Writer of Freedom Honored
Algerian-born French writer Kamel Daoud wins 2024 Prix Goncourt for 'Houris', a novel about Algeria's civil war.
April 24, 2026
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Source: lefigaro.fr
Algerian-born French writer Kamel Daoud was awarded the 2024 Prix Goncourt, France's most prestigious literary prize, for his novel Houris. The novel, published by Gallimard, explores the trauma of Algeria's civil war in the 1990s through the story of a woman who survived an Islamist attack.
Daoud, 54, is known for his outspoken defense of secularism and free expression. His 2013 novel The Meursault Investigation was a critical success, and he has been a columnist for the French newspaper Le Point.
The Goncourt jury praised Houris for its 'literary power and moral courage.' Daoud dedicated the prize to 'all those who have suffered from silence and censorship.'
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prix Goncourt?
The Prix Goncourt is France's most prestigious literary award, given annually since 1903 to the author of the best prose work.
What is 'Houris' about?
'Houris' is a novel about a woman who survives an Islamist attack during Algeria's civil war in the 1990s, exploring trauma and memory.
Why is Kamel Daoud controversial?
Daoud is a vocal critic of political Islam and censorship in Algeria, which has led to threats and legal challenges against him.
