Author - Novelist | Storyteller - Writer
Tackling Complex Issues - Example: Emancipation of Women
Zineb Mekouar’s journey from Casablanca to Paris is a story filled with passion, creativity, and a fierce commitment to important causes. Zineb’s early years in Morocco were shaped by her love for literature and writing, which blossomed into poetry. In 2009, she moved to Paris, a city that would become the backdrop for her continued academic and professional growth. After excelling at prestigious institutions like Sciences Po and HEC Paris, she ventured into the world of strategy consulting and the tech sector, guiding startups through the complex landscape of public affairs. But Zineb’s heart was always tethered to something deeper: the pressing issues that shape society. Her work reflects her commitment to exploring the figure of the foreigner in cities, gender equality, and the delicate transition between childhood and adulthood. These themes resonate powerfully in her debut novel, La Poule et son Cumin, published in March 2022 by JC Lattès in the La Grenade collection. This compelling novel, which explores the emancipation of women across the Mediterranean and the tensions surrounding the figure of the foreigner in France, captivated readers and critics alike. It became a finalist for the Goncourt du premier roman 2022 and earned a spot on the Académie Goncourt’s “coups de cœur de l’été 2022” list.
With La Poule et son Cumin, Zineb took her place among the rising stars of the literary world. The novel’s impact was profound, earning her the prestigious Prix du Meilleur Roman from Editions Points in 2024. Receiving this award at the Moroccan Embassy in Paris was a deeply emotional moment for Zineb, as it symbolized the convergence of her two worlds: Morocco and France. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude to Madame l’Ambassadeure, Samira Sitail, a woman she admires for her dedication, energy, and kindness. The honor of receiving this award in such a meaningful place only deepened Zineb’s connection to the themes of her novel—equality for women in Morocco and the challenges of coexistence in France.
Zineb’s literary journey doesn’t stop there. Her next novel, currently in the works, is set to delve into the complex relationship between humanity and nature, exploring the vulnerability of childhood and the nuances of maternal love. Set against the backdrop of Morocco, the novel will weave between the experiences of a young boy, his family, and the landscapes that shape their lives. Zineb’s ability to capture the tension between nature and culture, beauty and pain, promises another deeply moving and thought-provoking work.
Her upcoming release, Souviens-toi des abeilles, published by Gallimard, is eagerly awaited by readers who have come to admire her unique voice and fearless storytelling. Zineb Mekouar is not just a novelist; she’s a trailblazer for a new generation of writers who use their craft to tackle the complex issues of our time. With each story she tells, Zineb continues to inspire young readers to think critically about the world around them, while offering a sense of hope and connection across borders.
Social Media Handles:
Comments