Mauritanian writer Beyrouk featured in RFI literary series
RFI's series 'Une terre, un auteur' profiles Mauritanian novelist Mbarek Ould Beyrouk in an interview recorded at his home in Nouakchott. Beyrouk, born in Atar, founded Mauritania's first independent newspaper and is now a key literary voice. His novels, published by Elyzad and Sabine Wespieser, have won multiple prizes including the Prix Kourouma, Prix du Roman Métis des Lycéens, Prix Ahmed Baba, and Prix Cheikh Hamidou Kane. His works 'Le Tambour des larmes' (2015), 'Je suis seul' (2018), 'Le silence des horizons' (2021), 'Parias' (2021), and 'Saara' (2022) have been translated into English and Spanish. The interview explores his origins, discovery of reading, and deep connection to the French language. The episode aired on June 19, 2026.
Key facts
- Mbarek Ould Beyrouk is a Mauritanian writer born in Atar.
- He founded Mauritania's first independent newspaper.
- His novels are published by Elyzad and Sabine Wespieser.
- Le Tambour des larmes won Prix Kourouma and Prix du Roman Métis des Lycéens.
- Je suis seul won Prix Ahmed Baba de la littérature africaine.
- Saara won Prix Cheikh Hamidou Kane 2023 and Prix Littéraire Les Afriques 2023.
- Parias (2021) is a novel about a father in prison and his son.
- The interview was recorded in Nouakchott and aired on RFI on June 19, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Mbarek Ould Beyrouk
Institutions
- RFI
- Elyzad
- Sabine Wespieser éditeur
Locations
- Nouakchott
- Mauritania
- Atar