In a historic moment for African literature, two of France’s most celebrated literary prizes were awarded to African authors on November 4, 2024. Algerian writer Kamel Daoud became the first Algerian to win the Prix Goncourt for his novel Houris, while Rwandan-Burundian author Gaël Faye received the Prix Renaudot for Jacaranda. The announcements were made at the Parisian restaurant Drouant, following the annual tradition of the Académie Goncourt.

Daoud’s Houris novel is about Algeria’s turbulent “Black Decade” (1992–2002), a civil war that left tens of thousands dead. Faye’s Jacaranda, his second novel, expands on his renowned ability to weave poetic and evocative narratives. Set in an unnamed East African country, the story follows several interconnected characters navigating the legacies of colonialism, war, and displacement. Through a multi-generational lens, Faye examines the lingering impact of political instability and cultural uprooting, with his characters seeking to reconcile the past and imagine a future.

Daoud, born in Mostaganem, Algeria, is also a prominent journalist and commentator. He gained international acclaim with his debut novel Meursault contre-enquête (The Meursault Investigation), which won the Prix Goncourt for Best First Novel in 2013. With Houris, he once again demonstrates his capacity to address complex historical and cultural issues with a deeply human perspective.

Faye, born in Burundi to a Rwandan mother and French father, gained widespread recognition for his debut novel Petit Pays (Small Country), which won multiple awards and was adapted into a feature film. With Jacaranda, Faye cements his reputation as one of the most compelling contemporary voices in Francophone literature.

Established in 1903 and 1926 respectively, the Prix Goncourt and Prix Renaudot are France’s most prestigious literary honors, celebrating excellence in Francophone storytelling. Both authors emerged victorious from competitive fields. Daoud’s Houris triumphed over Sandrine Collette’s Madelaine avant l’aube, Gaël Faye’s Jacaranda, and Hélène Gaudy’s Archipels. Similarly, Faye’s Jacaranda edged out Kamel Daoud’s Houris, Collette’s Madelaine avant l’aube, and Gaudy’s Archipels, highlighting the exceptional caliber of this year’s nominees.

The simultaneous victories of Daoud and Faye highlight the prominence of African authors in shaping contemporary French literature. Their works confront histories of conflict and displacement while celebrating the resilience and richness of African storytelling.

Congratulations to Kamel Daoud and Gaël Faye on their remarkable achievements!

 

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Faye’s photo by Coup d’Oreille via Wikipedia

Daoud’s photo by Claude Truong-Ngoc  via Wikipedia