When Saâda Arbane was just six years old, she experienced a tragedy that changed her life forever. Living in a remote village between Tiaret and Djelfa in Algeria during the 1990s, she was the sole survivor of a brutal massacre that claimed her entire family during the country's violent "black decade." Although she endured severe injuries, including an attempt on her life, Saâda lost her voice due to the trauma and has lived with the pain and silence for 25 years.
Today, Saâda is not only grappling with her past but also with feelings of betrayal. She recently spoke out on One TV, claiming that her story was used without her permission by the well-known writer Kamel Daoud in his novel *Houris*, which earned him significant recognition, including the Prix Goncourt. While Daoud has always described the novel as fiction, Saâda believes it mirrors her personal life in painful detail.
According to Saâda, *Houris* contains specific elements of her life, such as the scar on her neck, the trauma of losing her family, and her medical treatment in France. She accuses Daoud of using private details she shared during therapy sessions with his wife, who is a psychologist. Saâda, who began seeking therapy in 2015, trusted the sessions would remain confidential. She now claims that her private stories were shared with Daoud, violating her trust and professional ethics.
Saâda recalls how she was invited to meetings with the couple, where Daoud suggested turning her story into a book—a suggestion she consistently refused. Despite this, she says the details of her experiences appeared in *Houris* without her consent. The similarities were so striking that she felt her life had been put on display for the public. When she raised her concerns, Daoud’s wife allegedly denied any link between the book and Saâda’s life and even presented her with a signed copy of the novel.
Saâda’s shock deepened upon learning of potential plans for a film adaptation of the book. She claims that financial incentives were mentioned to silence her objections, a move she found deeply offensive. For Saâda, this isn't just about a book—it’s about the violation of her dignity, privacy, and right to control her own story.
Legally, her claims raise complex questions, particularly regarding the breach of professional confidentiality. While linking the novel directly to Saâda’s story might be difficult, her allegations highlight serious ethical concerns. For her, it’s a fight for justice and respect—an effort to reclaim her voice after a lifetime of pain and silence.
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