Moroccan writer Zineb Mekouar received the Best Roman Prize from the readers and booksellers of the French publishing firm “Points” for her work “La poule et son cumin” on Tuesday night at the Moroccan Embassy in France.
Mekouar’s novel, published in 2022 by “JC Lattès” publications as part of the “La Grenade collection”, tells the story of Kenza and Fatiha, two young Moroccans from opposing realities.
Kenza, who comes from an affluent family and studies at Sciences Po-Paris, returns to Casablanca to reconnect with Fatiha, her nanny’s daughter and childhood friend.
Mekouar’s storyline of Kenza and Fatiha weave their lives between tales of obedience and transgression. Her novel depicts a larger image of human scars and tragedies in light of Morocco’s modern political and socioeconomic issues.
Moroccan Ambassador in Paris Samira Sitaïl praised Mekouar for portraying Moroccan life “with great realism and at the same time making us dream.”
She emphasized that the author has committed her skill to fostering French-Moroccan friendship and serving as an encouraging role model for others who hope to write and publish.
“My writing is inspired by the love I feel for Morocco and my burning desire to reveal it through my words”, Mekouar said.
She added that subjects like gender equality and Morocco’s ties with other countries, particularly France, are of particular importance.
The award-winning author was also thrilled that “Souviens-toi des abeilles,” her recently released second novel, is a summertime favorite of the Goncourt Academy.
She hopes the second novel will reach the same audience as “La poule et son cumin.”
Mekouar added: “I am thinking about my third book right now,” while guaranteeing that her work would always be “infused with Morocco.”
The publishing firm’s Marketing Director Mireille Tykaert highlighted that “La poule et son cumin” received the Best Roman Points Award of 2024 with a resounding majority of votes, demonstrating the work’s uniqueness and drawing the jury’s attention.