Hurriya: New North African Literature

Is there such a thing as a North African literature? Northern Africa is comprised of countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt – countries with distinct histories, but also shared characteristics, like predominantly Muslim populations, histories of European colonization and of uprisings against colonial powers as well as later authoritarian regimes, not least during the 2011 wave of revolutions dubbed «the Arab Spring». In what ways do this history influence the literature that is written?

The House of Literature has invited three authors who in different ways explore the region’s recent history through their literature. This Spring, Leïla Slimani concludes her critically acclaimed trilogy about a French Moroccan family through three generations, spanning from the struggle for independence from France up to our time. Youssef Rakha has explored Egypt’s modern history through several books, most recently in this year’s novel The Dissenters, where the woman Amna’s life mirrors the different phases of the country from the 1950s up to today. Soukaina Habiballah depict the experiences of Moroccan women through history, showing through prose and poetry how the trauma of colonialism is passed through generations, and how women today are trying to carve out a new and more open gender role.

«Hurriya» means «freedom» in Arabic, and over three days, the House of Literature will delve into new North African literature exploring freedom and independence, whether on a personal or collective level.

The events will be in English and Arabic.

The program is supported by NORAD.