Moroccan writer Zineb Mekouar has been awarded by the readers and booksellers of French publishing house “Points” for her novel “ La Poule et son cumin” Tuesday in Paris.
Mekouar received her “Best novel” prize at a ceremony organized in the Moroccan embassy in France, in the presence o notable figures alongside members of the Prize Jury, and a distinguished gathering of intellectuals and artists.
The Best Novel Prize was created in 2013, and is awarded by a jury of 100 readers and around 30 professionals.
Published in 2022, the novel talks about the destinies of two radically different young Moroccan women, Kenza and Fatiha, coming from two opposite social circles.
Félicitation à l’écrivaine marocaine @Zineb__Mekouar qui a reçu le Prix du meilleur Roman des lecteurs et des libraires @EditionsPoints pour son roman“La poule et son cumin.”
Organisée à l’ambassade du #Maroc en #France avec les @editionsLattes, la cérémonie a eu lieu hier soir. pic.twitter.com/NdNReZUNwt— Ambassade du Royaume du Maroc en France ?? (@AmbaMarocFrance) June 19, 2024
Through the intertwined stories of Kenza and Fatiha, Mekouar weaves together the fates of two heroines caught between submission and rebellion.
In this narrative, their wounds and tragedies reflect the political and social divides of contemporary Morocco.
In a speech delivered during the ceremony, Morocco’s Ambassador to Paris Samira Sitaïl said to be “impressed” by the way Zineb Mekouar depicts Moroccan society in her novels, “with such realism while making us dream.”
Sitail praised the young writer for using her talent to foster Franco-Moroccan friendship, highlighting her journey as “a model and an inspiration for everyone who dreams of writing and getting their books published someday.”
In a statement to MAP, Zineb Mekouar expressed her profound emotion and pride in receiving this award at the Moroccan embassy.
“This is very meaningful to me because it is about my country. My writing draws its inspiration from the deep love I have for Morocco and from my intense desire to share it through my words,” she emphasized. She explained that the themes of her novel “La Poule et son cumin,” particularly “gender equality in Morocco and our relationship with foreigners, especially in France, are subjects that are very close to my heart.”
Mekouar was born in Casablanca in 1991. She has lived in Paris since 2009. After finishing her Science Po and HEC Paris studies, she worked in strategy consulting. She was also responsible for the public affairs in a startup incubator.
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