Kamel Daoud has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Goncourt Prize for his novel ‘Houris’, which poignantly depicts the tragedies of Algeria’s ‘black decade’ from 1992 to 2002. The jurors at Paris’s Drouant restaurant praised Daoud’s lyrical yet tragic storytelling, emphasizing the emotional depth and historical insights that resonate particularly with women’s experiences during this tumultuous period. ‘Houris’ tells the story of Aube, a young woman silenced by violence, and is notable for its exploration of painful memories in a country where such narratives are often prohibited. Daoud has faced criticism in Algeria for his views and writing style.

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