First published in Arabic on El-Nokhba
• “The culture of narcissism, monopoly, and obsession with awards among established writers ultimately led to my unprecedented decision to withdraw from the Algerian and Arab literary scene.”
• “Celebrities are like stars with one major difference: while stars shine together, celebrities despise one another.”
• “True literary success lies in the ideas and values we give, not in the accolades we receive.”
Mouloud Benzadi’s literary journey began with short stories and articles, showcasing his early passion for storytelling. He then ventured into research-based writing, which paved the way for his career as a lexicographer. His best-selling dictionary of Arabic synonyms and homonyms, spanning 600 pages, quickly sold 3,000 copies and went through two editions within months. He also published a dictionary of English phrasal verbs in Arabic. During this time, Benzadi embarked on novel writing, releasing works such as *Tears and Lessons*, *Beyond the Blue Horizon*, and *Angelina: A Girl from Austria*. Now transitioning to English writing, his debut English novel is awaiting a literary agent, with quotes from this unpublished work already gaining international recognition in multiple languages.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mouloud Benzadi, the Algerian-British writer, researcher, and translator, for an insightful interview. In our conversation, he offers profound perspectives on literary awards, the challenges he has encountered as a writer, and the obstacles Arabic writers face in gaining global readership and universal recognition. Additionally, he shares a surprising choice that distinguishes him from his Arab contemporaries: his decision to step back from the Arabic literature scene and transition to writing in English.
(This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
When did your literary journey begin, particularly in novel and critical writing?
My love for literature blossomed early in life. I spent countless hours immersed in books, exploring the boundless worlds they offered, and gradually felt a deep desire to create stories of my own. My journey began with writing articles and short stories, some of which were published in Algerian newspapers. The last piece I published in Algeria before emigrating was a short story titled The Bride of the Study Room, which appeared in Al-Massa newspaper. At the time, I was a student at the Institute of Translation.
What do you consider the most significant milestones in your career?
My career began with a strong foundation in article writing, a form I truly cherish. I have a deep passion for research, and my articles often take days or even weeks to complete due to the extensive, multi-referenced research I conduct, particularly from English sources. This dedication sets my work apart from the more hastily written pieces of others.
A notable milestone in my journey was my foray into children’s literature, exemplified by my book *The Arrogant Gazelle*. This was followed by my exploration of novel writing, starting with *Tears and Lessons*, which is rooted in a true social drama, and then *Winds of Fate*, which surprisingly exceeded my expectations in terms of demand, despite facing distribution challenges.
However, my most significant achievement is undoubtedly *Al-Zad Dictionary of Arabic Synonyms and Homonyms*, the first of its kind in the Arab world. It has sold over 3,000 copies across two editions within just two years, all achieved with minimal publicity and significant distribution hurdles.
The latest chapter of my career involves writing in English, where both my articles and novels are beginning to gain recognition. Unlike my Arabic works, my English quotes have reached a global audience and have been translated into multiple languages, motivating me to continue my journey in the English language. I am truly passionate about contributing to English literature and setting an example for my counterparts in the Arab world. Just as we see in the Indian subcontinent and other regions, English literature can also find its way into the Arab world, and I would like to be among the pioneers in laying the foundations for Arab English literature. I aim to demonstrate that being a non-native English speaker does not hinder our ability to write successfully in English; rather, it can enrich the literary landscape and inspire others to follow suit.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
I’ve been greatly inspired by diaspora writers such as Mikhail Naima and Ameen Rihani, who taught me to prioritize meaning over form and embrace themes of love and tolerance. I also admire Shakespeare, who taught me that there is only one way for a writer to achieve eternal fame: through works that truly reflect universal themes, timeless characters, and profound insights into the human condition. Such works can reach audiences worldwide, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Like him, I strive to write for all of humanity rather than limiting my work to a specific audience or area such as the Arab world.
How has living in the UK shaped your perspective?
Living in the UK has profoundly influenced me. It has allowed me to engage with diverse cultures and broaden my worldview. I now think—and even dream—in English, which has enhanced my ability to write for a global audience.
What role has translation played in your career?
Translation has been crucial in my journey. I graduated from the Institute of Translation in Algiers and currently work in this field in Britain. My background in translation allows me to conduct in-depth research in English, which greatly enriches my articles and novels.
I have been outspoken in challenging the notion that translation alone can lead to global recognition. I was the first and only Arab writer to advocate for Arab authors to think and write in English as I believe that true universal recognition stems from creating work that resonates with a global audience.
A striking example is American Lebanese writer and philosopher Jibran Khalil Jibran, who did not achieve his worldwide fame through his Arabic books translated into various languages. Instead, he found success with “The Prophet,” a book he wrote in English while thinking in that language, which connected deeply with readers around the world.
In my own experience, my Arabic quotes translated into English did not obtain much attention. In contrast, the English quotes I created while thinking in English have achieved significant recognition. This reinforces my conviction that Arab writers should not only transcend regional themes but also familiarize themselves with Western ways of thinking and better understand Western cultures. If an Arab joke translated into English fails to make an English speaker laugh, it suggests that an Arab book is likely to have little impact as well. Adapting their writing accordingly is essential for Arab authors seeking to connect with a broader audience.
What challenges have you faced in your literary journey, and how did you overcome them?
Marginalization and monopolization have been significant obstacles. A select group dominates the literary scene, recognizing only those within their circle. Social media has exposed their narcissism—they rarely acknowledge or support others’ work, nor do they engage with our posts, even when we tag them to draw their attention. They chase literary awards, believing these accolades are the key to recognition. In doing so, they embrace regional themes that may appeal to Arab literary panels but fail to resonate with international audiences. The result? They gain the approval of five judges but lose worldwide readers.
This culture of narcissism, monopoly, and obsession with awards among established writers ultimately led to my unprecedented decision to withdraw from the Algerian and Arab literary scene—a step virtually unheard of in the history of Arabic literature. When I left, one thought stayed with me: “Celebrities are like stars with one major difference: while stars shine together, celebrities despise one another.”
Today, I am an independent writer, dedicated to promoting literature, love, and tolerance. I am profoundly grateful for the appreciation I receive from audiences worldwide, who value the quotes from my English-language book, which is still searching for a literary agent.
Any final words for our readers and advice for aspiring writers?
To aspiring writers, my advice is simple: Write to serve humanity and benefit the world; do not write to please a committee or to gain an award. True literary success lies in the ideas and values we give, not in the accolades we receive.
As for me, my withdrawal from the Arab literary scene is irreversible. However, this does not mean I’ve abandoned my commitment to writing in Arabic. I will continue searching for a literary agent for my English novel. If that search proves unsuccessful, I will still share quotes and excerpts that express positive messages—such as love, tolerance, coexistence, and all our shared human values. I deeply hope for support in publishing my debut English book.
