Paris Book Festival: Spotlight on a Vibrant Moroccan Literary Scene

From April 11 to 13, 2025, under the iconic glass dome of the Grand Palais, Moroccan literature took center stage at the bustling Paris Book Festival. As guest of honour for the second time since 2017, Morocco’s literary scene was granted both symbolic and physical prominence throughout the event.

With over 50 authors, 38 publishing houses, 28 talks, and 16 thematic panels, the Moroccan pavilion had a clear objective: to immerse visitors in the diversity and dynamism of the Kingdom’s literary output. From Leïla Slimani’s confident embrace of francophone literature to Rim Battal’s poetic feminism and Abdellah Taïa’s intimate and socially engaged storytelling, Moroccan voices resounded powerfully throughout the halls of the Grand Palais.

Each in their own way reminded audiences that contemporary Moroccan literature is neither monolithic nor nostalgic, but richly plural, grounded in reality, and open to the world. Through tributes to major literary figures such as Driss Chraïbi, Edmond Amran El Maleh, and Mohamed Khair-Eddine, the pavilion also paid homage to a literary heritage in constant dialogue with history.

However, beyond the packed agenda and the high quality of discussions, one reservation was shared by many visitors, especially those familiar with the literary world: the pavilion’s scenography at times seemed misaligned with the core of the festival – the book itself.

The 330 m² space, though generous in size, appeared to prioritise cultural and artisanal displays over literature. The design, inspired by traditional Moroccan aesthetics, often left the books in the background, confined to a more modest space than one might expect from an official guest of honour. Activities for children – such as zellige and weaving workshops – were undoubtedly popular among families, but also raised a fundamental question: what was their direct connection to Moroccan children’s literature? Storytelling sessions, readings, and introductions to writing or illustration may have better anchored these activities within the festival’s literary framework.

It was a missed opportunity to showcase to younger audiences the richness of traditional Moroccan tales and the current vibrancy of children’s literature. This shift from literary substance to cultural heritage, from text to décor, did not diminish the quality of the discussions, but it did blur the cultural message. Morocco was not merely present to exhibit its identity – it came to share its words, its stories, and its voices.

Meaningful Conversations

Fortunately, the substance of the dialogues helped reaffirm the festival’s literary depth. The debate led by Asma Lamrabet around her book Islam et libertés fondamentales left a lasting impression. A physician, essayist, and member of the Royal Academy, Lamrabet offered a bold reflection on a humanist reading of religion. Her voice resonated with clarity, advocating for justice while rejecting dogma.

Playwright and essayist Driss Ksikes delivered a powerful intervention on emerging Moroccan narrative forms. He examined inherited legacies, plural identities, and collective memory with a tone both critical and hopeful, especially for the younger generation of writers.

Fedwa Misk, a key feminist voice, also captivated her audience. By calling out the historical underrepresentation of women in literary spheres, she highlighted the now-indispensable feminine energy within Morocco’s literary landscape.

All these contributions formed part of a program that gracefully bridged disciplines – words and visuals, literature and performance. With 114,000 attendees – 43% of whom were under the age of 25 – the 2025 edition of the Paris Book Festival stands out as a resounding success. Morocco shone unmistakably through the strength of its literary scene, the depth of its debates, and the powerful presence of its authors.

A.Bo