Renowned author Christian Attard, born in Sfax in 1956, has recently published two historical crime novels set in Sfax during the 1930s. The novels, titled "Meurtres à Borj Ennar" and "Massacre Route d'el Ain", inaugurate the "Sirocco Littéraire" collection by Éditions Sikelli. Attard, a conference speaker and specialist on the region, has previously published a historical book on Sfax under French protectorate in 2005.
The two novels follow the investigations of Commissioner Grima, an investigator with a strong sense of humanity who shares his own Maltese origins. In "Meurtres à Borj Ennar", the story takes place during the summer of 1930, where Commissioner Grima is forced back into work after aspiring to a peaceful retirement. The plot involves a range of characters, including spahis, Maltese, French, and Italians.
The second novel, "Massacre Route d'el Ain", presents Commissioner Grima with a unprecedented massacre under the protectorate. With no leads and facing potential retirement in shame, Grima must work against the clock to identify the perpetrators of the crimes that occurred on this route. Both novels are part of the "Sirocco Littéraire" collection, which aims to bring together works that take Tunisia as a setting, horizon, or source of inspiration.
The "Sirocco Littéraire" collection is co-directed by historian Habib Kazdaghli and Hatem Louati. The collection seeks to facilitate dialogue between different eras and create a library of Tunisia's diverse literary heritage by gathering the perspectives of Tunisian and foreign authors. This initiative highlights the country's rich cultural landscape and offers a platform for various voices to be heard.
A book launch and signing event was organized on September 26 at the Borj Kallel cultural space in Sfax, in the presence of the author and collection directors. This event allowed readers to engage with Attard's work and learn more about the inspiration behind the novels. The launch marked a significant moment for literature in Tunisia, celebrating the country's rich history and cultural diversity.
Christian Attard's work contributes to the growing literary scene in Tunisia, which has seen increased recognition in recent years. The launch of the "Sirocco Littéraire" collection and Attard's novels is a testament to the country's vibrant cultural landscape. The publication of these works underscores the importance of literature in preserving and sharing Tunisia's history and heritage.
Key points
- The "Sirocco Littéraire" collection aims to showcase Tunisia's diverse literary heritage by publishing works that take the country as a setting or source of inspiration.
