Aïcha Lemsine facts for kids

Aïcha Lemsine is the writing name, or pen name, of Aïcha Laidi. She was born in 1942 in Tébessa, Algeria. She is a well-known Algerian writer who writes her books in French.

Aïcha Lemsine is a strong supporter of women's rights. She has held important roles, like being a vice-president for a global organization that supports women's rights and literature. She also worked with the PEN club's International Women's Committee. She had to leave Algeria because of dangerous situations.

About Aïcha Lemsine

Aïcha Lemsine writes novels and essays. She has also written for newspapers in Algeria and other countries. She travels around the world to give talks. She is an expert on the history of Islam, political Islam, and the rights of Muslim women. She was often asked to speak at meetings and events worldwide.

Her husband, Ahmed Laïdi, was a diplomat. He served as Algeria's ambassador in several countries. These included Spain, Jordan, Great Britain, Ireland, and Mexico.

Lemsine's first two novels tell stories from the time of the Algerian War of Independence. Her books have been translated into many languages. These include Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and English.

In 1995, she received an award called the Hellman-Hammett Grant. This award from Human Rights Watch helped her continue her important work.

The name Lemsine comes from Arabic letters. It uses the first letters of her married name (Laidi) and her birth name.

The Novel La Chrysalide

In her novel La Chrysalide, Aïcha Lemsine writes about how Algerian society has changed. She especially focuses on the lives of women over many generations. This book was published in French. It was the first novel by an Algerian woman to openly discuss a big problem.

The problem was the difference between how women really lived and what the country's constitution said. The constitution promised "equal socialism" and said that "fundamental freedoms and human rights are guaranteed." It also stated that "any discrimination based on sex, race or job is forbidden."

However, the book was not allowed in Algeria. Officials tried to remove copies of "The Chrysalis" from a book exhibition. Even today, her books are not easily found in Algeria. But they are widely available in other parts of the world.

Her Books

• La chrysalide: Chroniques algeriennes, novel (1976), also known as "The Chrysalis"
• Ciel de porphyre, novel (1978), also known as "Beneath a Sky of Porphyry"
• Ordalie des voix, essay (1983)
• Au Cœur du Hezbollah, essay (2008) ("In the heart of Hezbollah")

See also

In Spanish: Aïcha Lemsine para niños