Leila Sebbar Book order

Leïla Sebbar’s writing delves into the intricate relationship between France and Algeria, frequently juxtaposing imagery from both nations to highlight cultural disparities. Her work often explores themes of identity and alienation, particularly concerning the second generation of Maghrebian youth in France struggling with integration. Sebbar employs both fictional narratives and psychological insight to convey her themes, with her novels often illustrating the profound communication gaps between generations and cultures.

2014
Sherazade
304 pages
11 hours of reading
3.4(3)Add rating
Set against the backdrop of Paris, a seventeen-year-old Algerian runaway navigates the city's gritty underworld, embodying a complex mix of innocence and detachment. As she encounters various societal issues, Sherazade grapples with her identity amid the influences of her Algerian heritage and the expectations placed upon her. Her relationship with Julian, who seeks to define her within traditional stereotypes, becomes a catalyst for her self-discovery. This novel explores themes of identity, possession, and the struggles of youth in a divided society.
2008
The Seine Was Red
3.4(226)Add rating
Toward the end of the Algerian war, the FLN, organized a demonstration in Paris to oppose a curfew imposed upon Algerians in France. About 30,000 Algerians gathered peacefully, but the protest was suppressed by the Paris police. Between 50 and 200 Algerians were killed and their bodies were thrown into the Seine. This novel recounts this event.

Sherazade

The Seine Was Red