Rabat – Moroccan writer Zineb Mekouar received on Tuesday in Paris the “Best Novel” Prize from the readers and booksellers of the French publishing house “Points” for her novel “La Poule et son cumin.”
The Best Novel Prize was established in 2013. The prize is awarded by a jury of 100 readers and around 30 professionals.
Mekouar received the award at a ceremony at the Moroccan Embassy in France.
The novel talks about the destinies of two radically different young Moroccan women. The theme of the novel delves into gender equality, Mekouar said.
Expressing satisfaction with winning the award, noting that it is a “very significant” prize as the novel is about her country.
“My writing draws its source from the love I have for Morocco and the ardent desire to make it known through my words,” she said.
Morocco’s ambassador to France Samira Sitail described Mekouar as a “ great talent” during the ceremony.
“It’s not just me saying this, but also the jury and the readers who have appreciated the journey taken by the writer you are today,” the Moroccan ambassador added.
She also stressed that Mekouar represents the “best, the most beautiful, the strongest, and the most intimate between Morocco and France.”
Mekouar was born in Casablanca in 1991. She has been living in Paris since 2009.
She studied at Sciences Po and HEC Paris and worked in strategy consulting. She was also responsible for the public affairs in a startup incubator.
