The Algerian poet and writer received Sharjah International Book Fair’s top literary honour this year for her pioneering contributions as a leading female literary voice of the region
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) has honoured Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi as its ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ for 2024, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to Arabic literature and her profound impact on readers throughout the Arab world. Known for her introspective and lyrical storytelling, Mosteghanemi discussed her bond with readers and the complexities of the digital era during a lively session titled ‘Does social media stimulate or stifle creativity?’.
“The love of readers will keep me alive”
Mosteghanemi expressed deep gratitude for the affection she receives from readers, particularly on social media. “I feel I will be remembered in the hearts of my readers because they know I loved them genuinely, without question,” she reflected. Social media, she noted, has created a rare, direct connection with her audience, allowing for an engagement that extends beyond her novels. However, this connection has come with sacrifices. “The virtual world doesn’t allow for the uninterrupted writing I once cherished. Life with social media is entirely different,” she said, underscoring how constant online engagement has impacted her creative focus.
Social media and the sacrifice of privacy
Mosteghanemi spoke about how social media has transformed the writer’s role, erasing the once-sacred distance between authors and readers. “Readers now see authors as personalities they can observe, even judge,” she remarked, explaining that this scrutiny often extends into authors’ private lives. Reflecting on this evolution, she noted, “Victor Hugo’s readers didn’t question his wealth or lifestyle, yet today’s readers want to see if writers live as they write,” hinting at the pressures this places on modern authors.
Bonds of ink surpass blood ties
Describing her connection with fans, Mosteghanemi likened her readership to an “extended literary family,” a bond she deeply values. “The responsibility of earning a reader’s trust is immense,” she shared, noting that readers often seek emotional support, which, while meaningful, can also weigh heavily on her.
Iconic quotes and misattributions
Mosteghanemi’s words have become iconic throughout the Arab world, widely shared on social media. She shared an amusing story about one of her lines on intellectual life being misattributed to Shakespeare, noting it as a clear sign of the digital age’s confusions. “Readers have been turning lines from my novels into meaningful quotes since Zakirat Al Jasad,” she said, grateful that her words resonate so deeply.
Choosing legacy over monetary gain
For Mosteghanemi, social media’s financial potential has never been a priority. “One must decide: do you want your work to be remembered, or are you seeking a quick profit?” she remarked, explaining how she has turned down lucrative offers to protect her literary legacy.
“I have no one but you, after God”
In a moving moment, Mosteghanemi shared an experience with a reader from Gaza who once wrote to her, “I have no one but you, after God.” This profoundly impacted her, and she has stayed in contact with the woman over the years. “This is what writing is meant to be—something genuine, something given freely, not taken,” she said, describing writing’s true mission as a medium of sincere human connection.
Mosteghanemi also highlighted her commitment to staying informed on Arab world events through platforms like X (formerly Twitter), which helps her stay engaged with her region’s concerns, even if it means waking at night to check updates.