Mathias Enard, a French novelist born in 1972, has established a notable reputation in the literary world. He studied Arabic and Persian, which led him to spend extensive periods in the Middle East, immersing himself in the region's languages, cultures, and histories. This immersion has significantly influenced his writing, providing it with a unique perspective and depth.
Énard's literary career has been marked by critical acclaim and numerous awards. His debut novel, La perfection du tir, earned him the Prix des Cinq Continents de la Francophonie and the Prix Edmée-de-La-Rochefoucauld. His 2010 novel, Zone, received the Prix du Livre Inter and the Prix Décembre. His work is known for its intellectual engagement with the intersection of Western and Islamic cultures. For instance, Compass, his 2015 novel that won the prestigious Prix Goncourt, explores the intimate connection between Western humanities and art history and Islamic philosophy and culture. The novel is a single sentence over 500 pages long, narrating the recent European past as a cascade of consequences of wars and conflicts.
Énard currently resides in Barcelona, where he teaches Arabic at the Universitat Autònoma. He continues to contribute to the literary world with his unique narrative style and intellectual depth. His recent publications include a poetry collection, Dernière communication à la société proustienne de Barcelone, and a long novel, Le Banquet annuel de la confrérie des fossoyeurs, released in 2020. These works further attest to his versatility and commitment to literary excellence.