Young Moroccan Talent Unveils Her First Literary Work
At just thirteen years old, Nour Al-Huda Damraoui, a promising student from Morocco, has made her literary debut with her first novel titled 'The Epic of the Past.' This remarkable achievement is the culmination of her extensive reading and the support fostered by her family, school, and various initiatives, including the National Reading Project, where she competed with her peers in literature and book appreciation.
According to a statement made to Hespress by the author’s father, Idriss Damraoui, the spark that ignited Nour Al-Huda’s writing journey can be attributed to her Arabic teacher, Dr. Mohammed Asrar, during her first year of middle school in the city of Missour. He emphasized that her experience began with the 'National Reading Project' and the 'Arab Reading Challenge,' where she qualified nationally twice. She was also recognized as the eloquent representative of the Fez-Meknes region in Arabic language, showcasing her continuous dedication to reading and her studies. Additionally, she serves as the representative of Boulemane Province in the Children’s Parliament.
Idriss further elaborated on the initiative that nurtured her passion for writing, recounting an experience from her sixth year of primary education, where she contributed an article to her school’s publication, which planted the seed for her writing aspirations. The following year, as she began her middle school education, she was reading novels regularly. Under the guidance of her teacher, Asrar, and following her national qualifications and winning first place in the National Reading Project for her region, she was encouraged to transition from reading to writing. Taking this encouragement seriously, she began crafting her narrative, resulting in her novel 'The Epic of the Past,' while also continuing to work on two other novels.
Nour Al-Huda's literary contributions extend beyond novel writing; she has also published articles in various online magazines, including 'Al-Harf wal Kalima' and 'Naboliss Cultural.' The drive to publish her first novel was spurred by the initiative of the National Human Rights Association in the Fez region, aimed at promoting young creativity. Additionally, her teacher Asrar submitted her manuscript to Dar Knouze Al-Ma'rifa, which reviewed and subsequently published her work.
In her debut novel, readers can find poignant reflections that resonate deeply. One excerpt reveals a character grappling with inner turmoil: 'He smiled a bitter smile, mocking himself. He took the pen and began to write, but he was not merely writing words. He was inscribing his pain, chronicling his shattered hopes, delineating pivotal moments in a life crushed by reality. He wrote about his first encounter, the desires hidden behind words, the laughter that once filled the air, and that fateful day when he discovered that everything he had dreamed of was merely an illusory dream.'
As reported by hespress.com.
