Tunis: Tunisian writer Amira Ghenim has been awarded the prestigious International Prize for Arabic Literature 2024, sponsored by the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation and the Arab World Institute (IMA), for her novel "Le Désastre de la Maison des Notables" (A Calamity of Noble Houses), which has been translated from Arabic by Souad Labbize. The award is one of the few French accolades recognizing literary works from the Arab world, spotlighting authors who write in Arabic or French. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the announcement was made during a ceremony held on October 28 at the IMA headquarters in Paris. This marks the 11th edition of the prize, which celebrates works that bring to light the rich tapestry of Arabic literature. Amira Ghenim, the author of academic essays and three novels in Arabic, including "The Yellow Dossier" (2019) and "Terre ardente" (2024), was honored for her significant contribution to literature through her latest work. The novel "A Calamity of Noble Houses" is a profoun d saga that intricately weaves together the lives of two prominent families in Tunisia during the 1930s. The story offers a poignant exploration of the complex social dynamics and the evolving role of women in modern Tunisia. Pierre Leroy, the Managing Director of the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation and the chair of the jury, praised the novel for its intensity and the intricate narrative that interlaces family intrigue with the broader historical context of a nation in transformation. The shortlisted works for this edition also included "Les carnets d'El-Razi" by Tunisian psychologist, clinician, and author Aymen Daboussi, among others from countries like Algeria, Libya, Palestine, and Lebanon. Leroy noted the unique narrative style of Ghenim, which successfully brings to life a powerful story that underscores the underrepresented Arabic literature of the Maghreb in France. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of eleven different narrators, members of the two families, as they recount the events of a pivotal night in December 1935. This night forever altered the destinies of the conservative Ennaifer family and the progressive Rassaa family when Zbaida Ali Rassaa, the young wife of Mohsen Ennaifer, is accused of an illicit affair with Tahar Haddad, a humble intellectual known for his advocacy for women's rights and union activism. The novel crafts a rich mosaic of secrets, memories, and emotions, guiding readers through a captivating journey that reflects the individual stories entwined with the larger historical upheavals of the era. This recognition not only highlights Amira Ghenim's literary prowess but also the vibrant storytelling tradition of the Arab world.