Boualem Sansal - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Boualem Sansal is an Algerian author who was born on October 15, 1949 in Algeria.
- 2. He studied engineering and worked as a civil servant in Algeria before turning to writing full-time.
- 3. Sansal is known for his critical and provocative writing, often addressing political and social issues in Algeria and the wider Arab world.
- 4. His debut novel, "Le serment des barbares" (The Barbarians' Oath), was published in 1999 and won the Prix du Premier Roman in France.
- 5. In 2006, Sansal's novel "L'enfant fou de l'arbre creux" (An Unfinished Business) was shortlisted for the prestigious Prix Goncourt.
- 6. Despite his literary success, Sansal has faced censorship and persecution in Algeria due to the controversial nature of his writing.
- 7. He has been outspoken in his criticism of the Algerian government and its human rights abuses, which has led to his books being banned in his home country.
- 8. In 2011, Sansal was awarded the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade for his commitment to freedom of expression and human rights.
- 9. He has been compared to authors like Albert Camus and George Orwell for his powerful and thought-provoking writing.
- 10. Sansal's works have been translated into multiple languages and have earned him international acclaim as a leading voice in contemporary Arab literature.