Djaïli Amadou Amal explores dual identity in autobiographical novel 'Espoir'
Djaïli Amadou Amal's latest book 'Espoir' recounts her childhood split between Egyptian and Cameroonian cultures. Born to an Egyptian mother and Cameroonian father, she spent her first three years in Cairo immersed in Arabic, then moved to Marwa in northern Cameroon, where she learned local traditions. The novel addresses themes central to her activism: forced marriage, excision, spousal submission, and community pressure. Amal discussed the work with Chantal Lorho on RFI. The book was featured at the Festival du Livre Africain de Marrakech (April 23–25, 2026), where Marjorie Bertin met with Éditions du Sud.
Key facts
- Djaïli Amadou Amal published autobiographical novel 'Espoir'.
- The book explores her dual Egyptian and Cameroonian identity.
- She lived in Cairo for three years before moving to Marwa, Cameroon.
- Themes include forced marriage, excision, and submission to husband.
- Amal was interviewed by Chantal Lorho on RFI.
- The novel was presented at Festival du Livre Africain de Marrakech, April 23–25, 2026.
- Marjorie Bertin met with Éditions du Sud at the festival.
- The book is published by Emmanuelle Collas.
Entities
Artists
- Djaïli Amadou Amal
Institutions
- RFI
- Éditions du Sud
- Emmanuelle Collas
Locations
- Cairo
- Egypt
- Marwa
- Cameroon
- Marrakech
- Morocco