Amin Maalouf

Amin Maalouf - Lebanon

Amin Maalouf, a Lebanese author writing in French, is celebrated for his rich storytelling, political commentary, and profound humanism. His characters transcend boundaries of identity, religion, and nationality, embarking on journeys that traverse lands, languages, and beliefs, offering poignant reflections on historical beauty and pain. Influenced by his experiences during the Lebanese civil war and immigration, his masterpiece "The Rock of Tanios" clinched the prestigious French Prix de Goncourt in 1993. Born in Beirut in 1949, Maalouf has resided in France since 1976. Initially studying sociology and economics, he began his career as a journalist for Lebanese daily An-Nahar, reporting on global events from the fall of the Ethiopian monarchy to the final battle of Saigon. Forced to flee to Paris due to the war, he continued his journalism career, eventually transitioning to full-time writing, leaving behind a legacy of literary brilliance. In 2023, Maalouf was elected as the permanent secretary of Académie Française.