Amara Lakhous discusses "The Fertility of Evil"

Lakhous will discuss his new psychological thriller. The event will be followed by a book signing and Elliott Bay Books will be on site selling books.

About the book:

A heady psychological thriller spanning the history of postcolonial Algeria, Lakhous's "TheFertility of Evil" offers a criminal investigation that plumbs the seedy underbelly of Oran. Influenced by Leonardo Sciascia’s writing and Amara Lakhous’s own return to Oran after years spent living in Italy as a political refugee, this gripping historical novel grapples with the weight of history in everyday life in Oran, the intertwining of religion and politics andmines sixty years of the author’s country of origin's transformations to weave a crime storythat looks beyond identifying a single perpetrator to uncover the hidden networks andmasterminds that render a complicated picture of Algeria's shadowy history.

Oran, July 5, 2018. Algerian Independence Day. Colonel Soltani of the anti-terrorist unitreluctantly gives up his holiday after his superior officer tracks him down at his mistress’s house. A former National Liberation Front fighter and Algerian power broker has beenfound, his throat slit and face mutilated.

Set in a post-independence era marred by corruption, this dark, captivating novel unfolds in contrasting landscapes of dilapidated historic quarters and opulent new districts,revealing Algeria’s struggle against deceit and betrayal.

About the Author:

Amara Lakhous is an Italian author, journalist, and anthropologist of Algerian origin. His novel "Clash of civilizations over an elevator in Piazza Vittorio" received Italy’s Flaiano prize and was adapted for film. He is currently Professor in the Practice in the Department of Italian Studies at Yale University.

About the Translator:

Alexander Elinson is an Associate Professor of Arabic and head of the Arabic program at Hunter College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. His translations include Youssef Fadel’s "A Beautiful White Cat Walks with Me" and "A Shimmering Red Fish Swims with Me", Yassin Adnan’s "Hot Maroc", and Khadija Marouazi’s "History of Ash."

This event is presented in partnership with Elliott Bay Book Company. It is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation, The Gary and Connie Kunis Foundation, and The Seattle Times.

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