I left my father to learn to love men who embody a hostile continent yet remain a mysterious distance. I owe him knowing how to separate from them even when I'm captivated. I grew up among males, being the only girl in class from middle school to high school, and the sole principal in a boarding school for men. I formed myself with and against men, who embody everything I had to overcome to enjoy freedom.

Malika Mokeddem was born in Kenadsa and now lives in Montpellier. She has published the following novels: 'The Century of Locusts' (Ramsay, 1992), 'The Forbidden Woman' (Grasset, 1993), 'Dreams and Assassins' (Grasset, 1995), 'Men Walking' (Grasset, 1997), 'The Night of the Fault' (Grasset, 1998), and 'The Abduction of Rebels' (Grasset, 2003).

Publishing house: Dar Al Farabi for Publishing and Distribution

Number of Pages: 248

Year of publication: 2007