Tahar Ben Jelloun
- Born:
- December 1, 1944, Fes, Morocco
- Nationality:
- Moroccan, French
- Profession(s):
- Writer, Poet, Novelist, Essayist
Early Life and Education
- Received primary education in a bilingual (Arabic and French) school.
- Studied philosophy at the University of Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.
- Participated in student protests in 1965, leading to his conscription into the Moroccan army.
- Resumed his studies in philosophy after his military service.
- Moved to France in 1971 to pursue a doctorate in social psychology.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began publishing poetry in the early 1970s.
- Gained recognition for his novels exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and cultural displacement.
- Won the Prix Goncourt in 1987 for his novel La Nuit sacrée (The Sacred Night).
- Became a prominent voice on issues of immigration and social justice in France and internationally.
- Contributed to various newspapers and magazines, including Le Monde.
Notable Works
- La Nuit sacrée (The Sacred Night) (1987)
- L'Enfant de sable (The Sand Child) (1985)
- Harrouda (1973)
- Le Racisme expliqué à ma fille (Racism Explained to My Daughter) (1998)
- His works often explore existential questions, and one can find instances where Tahar Ben Jelloun quotes about death provide insight into these reflections.
Legacy and Impact
Tahar Ben Jelloun is celebrated for his powerful storytelling and his insightful commentary on social and political issues. His work has contributed significantly to understanding the complexities of identity, cultural difference, and the immigrant experience. He remains an influential figure in contemporary literature.