Ibn Omar watched from a distance as this group of intoxicated people exchanged words. He had distanced himself from them from the start, wanting to hear firsthand the tales circulating throughout the guarded city. The story of Yusuf and his mistress from Bajawiya was talked about in every gathering, spreading like wildfire through cafes, stations, mosques, and public squares. Even drunkards shared it in their solitude. It became their favorite topic as they sought to drown out the fear of death. Today, they whisper about it like it is their cherished narrative. Those bold enough to narrate it openly had to be cautious, not because it was ominous, but because no one could believe that the Bajawiya woman was real. Thus, they concealed her name from authorities, much like they hid their narcotics, disguising them in matchboxes, garment linings, or hiding them among cigarettes. The story was banned because of its ties to the 'state,' but this only fueled its ubiquity. It clouded the minds of both young and old, with each teller adding a personal twist, swelling the tale to the size of a great platanus tree. Those who hated Yusuf ibn al-Mahdi al-Kharrāz added fictitious events. The smell of malice seeped from those who accused him of murder, as they misled and deceived.

Through his novel, the author attempts to reveal the deep-seated fears gripping Algerian society, particularly in Tlemcen, stemming from the behaviors and mindsets that sanctioned unrestrained killing, driven by illusions and false rumors targeting both men and women. The novel unfolds at a pace that allows readers to contemplate its themes calmly, pausing at critical junctures as the author unveils the deep anguish caused by these waves, emanating from a people who have fought for their cause over time. In one scene, the author notes: 'The words uttered at funerals or printed in newspapers and books hold no meaning. Our eyes still meet those of the mothers, children, or wives of the slain, and we claim that it's Allah's will to distance ourselves. We will not suffer their pain, which we will never be worthy of. You were right when you said we are unworthy of the Algerians' pain throughout their long history of oppression and struggle. We haven't genuinely considered it as we should to create a different present.'

It's worth mentioning that this novel, 'Step in the Body,' won the Malek Haddad Prize in its third session, worthy of its style, subject, and literary craftsmanship.

• Publishing house: Arab Scientific Publishers/Lebanon
• Number of Pages: 278
• Year of publication: 2006