Les endormies

In this lyrical memoir, a wandering narrator weaves together memories of childhood in the mountains and later encounters with the intimate world of North‑African Muslim life. Through vivid sketches of Algerian houses, gardens, and the quiet rituals of women cloaked in tradition, she explores the tension between the allure of the ancient and the encroaching influence of the West. The prose moves between personal observation and cultural commentary, offering a nuanced portrait of a society where faith, art, and daily survival intertwine.

The voice of a determined young woman, raised by a colonial officer who envisioned a “civilizing” mission, guides the reader through the delicate balance of devotion and resistance she feels toward the cultures she inhabits. As she reflects on the legacy of great historic centers—Baghdad, Cairo, Córdoba—she questions how modern aspirations can coexist with inherited customs, inviting listeners to contemplate identity, belonging, and the quiet power of everyday acts in a changing world.