Algerian writer Hayet Hedjem has been dedicating her books to readers at the Draâ El-Mizan communal library for over a week. Her latest work, "Le Rocher de Teryel", published by El Amel editions in Tizi-Ouzou, is a tale that blends legend and reality. Born in Maâmar, Draâ El-Mizan, Hedjem developed a passion for writing from a young age, inspired by the stories and legends she heard from her grandmother and mother.
Hedjem's writing journey began with her first collection of poems, "Passion", published in 2017 by Edilivre. The poems explored themes of love, separation, gratitude, and grief, reflecting her own life experiences and those of her readers. Her desire to write was sparked by her childhood fascination with stories and legends, which she studied in school. She followed up with another book, "Contes de ma région", a collection of tales from her native region.
"Le Rocher de Teryel" tells the story of Alya and the terrifying ogress Teryel, a malevolent character from local legend. The tale is one of several versions, with Hedjem's account offering a unique perspective on the story. The book is a blend of reality and fantasy, inviting readers to explore the boundaries between truth and fiction. Hedjem's work is deeply rooted in her Kabyle heritage, which she aims to preserve and share with her readers.
In addition to "Le Rocher de Teryel", Hedjem has published other works, including "De l'autre côté de la montagne", a 20-page story about a young girl's incredible adventure, available on Amazon. She has also created a series of short, educational books for children, titled "Un jour avec moi", which explore the daily lives of children, animals, and insects.
Hedjem's passion for storytelling and preserving her cultural heritage drives her writing. She believes it is essential to share these stories with readers, particularly the younger generation, to keep her culture alive. Her grandmother and mother played a significant role in shaping her love for storytelling, regaling her with fantastical tales from their oral tradition.
Hedjem has several projects in the pipeline, including another collection of poetry and a novel. She is committed to continuing her writing journey, inspired by the support of her family and the enthusiasm of her young readers. Her work has been recognized by local media, with this being her second interview with La Dépêche de Kabylie.
The writer expressed her gratitude to her parents, sisters Nadia and Yasmine, and brother Lyès for their unwavering support. She also thanked La Dépêche de Kabylie for featuring her work and sharing her story with a wider audience. With her writing, Hedjem aims to inspire a new generation of readers to appreciate and preserve their cultural heritage.
Key points
- Hayet Hedjem's work is inspired by her Kabyle heritage and childhood fascination with legends and tales.
- Her latest book, "Le Rocher de Teryel", blends legend and reality, offering a unique perspective on local storytelling.
- Hedjem has several projects in the pipeline, including another collection of poetry and a novel.
