The dystopian novel “The Oath of the Last Messenger” by Souad Jamaï and the theater play “Our Mothers” by Fedwa Misk, two works published by La Croisée des Chemins (LCDC), were selected in the list of finalist works for the 13th Prize. Ivory.
The association “Akwaba Culture” announced that the two novels are in the running for the 2021 edition of the Ivory Prize for African literature of French-speaking expression, among 103 other works from 19 countries, LCDC wrote in a statement.
The pre-jury responsible for selecting the finalist works was made up of literary critics Michel Koffi (president), Auguste Gnaléhi, Serge Grah, Koffi Koffi and Henri N’koumo, while the writer Werewere-Liking (Noma Prize 2005), is the president of the final jury, responsible for the designation of the winner among the six finalists, said LCDC.
The four other books, all novels, in the running for the Prize are: “This too lively bite” by Nassuf Djailani (Comoros), “Misère by Davina Ittoo” (Mauritius), “In the belly of the Congo by Blaise Ndala” (Congo) and “The Villages of God by Emmelie Prophète” (Haiti).
Endowed with 3,000 euros, the 13th Ivory Prize for African literature of French-speaking expression, will be awarded on Saturday, November 20 in Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, the publishing house said.
Created in 2008 by Akwaba Culture, an association governed by Ivorian law, the Ivoire Prize for African literature of French-speaking expression rewards emerging authors from Africa and African diasporas, LCDC explained, adding that the Prize, which is placed under the sponsorship of the Ministry in charge of Culture of Côte d’Ivoire and the International Organization of La Francophonie, benefits from the support of the French Embassy and the Librairie de France – Groupe de Côte d’Ivoire.
.