Saâda Arbane
Saâda Arbane is an Algerian woman who gained attention for her legal battle against the acclaimed writer Kamel Daoud, accusing him of stealing her personal story for his novel 'Houris,' which won the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 2024. Arbane, a survivor of an attempted murder by jihadists, claims that the character in Daoud's book closely resembles her own traumatic experiences, leading her to seek justice through the courts for violation of her privacy.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Saâda Arbane is a woman who claims that Kamel Daoud stole her life story for his novel Houris.
‘I felt betrayed, naked’: did a prize-winning novelist steal a woman’s life story? | Books
United Kingdom· 2026-02-17
Saâda Arbane is a survivor of the atrocities committed during Algeria's civil war and has launched legal actions against Kamel Daoud.
Accusé d’avoir pillé l’histoire d’une rescapée de la « décennie noire » en Algérie, Kamel Daoud face à la justice
France· 2025-05-06Saâda Arbane is suing Kamel Daoud for allegedly using her life story without permission.
L’écrivain Kamel Daoud, Prix Goncourt 2024, assigné en justice en France par Saâda Arbane qui dénonce le vol de son histoireFrance· 2025-02-14