Meryem Alaoui is a Moroccan novelist, entrepreneur, communication, and marketing expert, best known for her debut novel Straight from the Horse’s Mouth. In addition to her literary achievements, Alaoui’s novel was a finalist for the prestigious Goncourt Prize in 2018, highlighting the recognition and acclaim she received in the French-speaking literary world. The book is praised for its exploration of Moroccan society, offering a nuanced and unconventional perspective on the country that defies stereotypes.

Selected Book

“Sweet chaos” GALLIMARD (06/04/2023)

Residency period

From November 2023 to July 2024.

Literary Recognition

Meryem Alaoui gained literary recognition with her debut novel, “Straight from the Horse’s Mouth,” published in 2018. The novel was a finalist for the prestigious Goncourt Prize in 2018, highlighting her success and impact in the French-speaking literary world. This achievement underscores her proficiency in crafting compelling narratives with political depth and humor.

Journalistic Background

Meryem Alaoui has a background in journalism, having worked at TelQuel, a weekly French news magazine, and Nishan, the Arabic version of TelQuel. This experience likely contributed to her nuanced storytelling and exploration of societal issues in her debut novel.