Leïla Slimani, the acclaimed Franco-Moroccan author, has recently made headlines with the release of her latest novel, "J'emporterai le feu," which concludes her renowned trilogy, "Le Pays des autres." This anticipated literary work not only marks the culmination of several years of writing but also symbolizes Slimani's transition to a new chapter in her life—her relocation from Paris to Lisbon, Portugal.
Set against the backdrop of the Moroccan socio-political climate of the 1980s and 1990s, "J'emporterai le feu" explores themes of identity and resistance. During her recent appearance on the literary show "La Grande Librairie," hosted by Augustin Trapenard, Slimani discussed how the sport of football has woven itself throughout her narrative. "There are three pivotal moments of football within my novel: the birth of my character, the 1998 World Cup, and the France-Morocco match of 2022," she stated, illustrating the personal connection she has with the sport, deeply rooted in her family history.
Indeed, Slimani's father was once the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, underscoring her lifelong engagement with the sport. "Football has always been part of my life; it's tied to my happiest memories with my father, who celebrated many victories," she added, sharing how the rhythms and emotions of the games resonate deeply with her writing process.
Simultaneously, Slimani's personal life has taken her from the urban hustle of Paris to the vibrant cultural scene of Lisbon. Citing the need for change as one of the primary motivations for this move, she explained, "Goodbye to solicitations, distractions, and intrusive gazes; goodbye to the sky swallowing up the light." Lisbon, with its soft climate and inviting beaches, has become the setting for her family's new adventure.
"They often visited Lisbon on weekends to stay with French friends," noted reports from Libération, illuminating the couple's pre-existing fondness for the city before making the significant jump to move. Not only is the city celebrated for its stunning architecture and cultural richness, but it also has practical appeal, with easy connections back to Paris and Morocco, ensuring Slimani remains connected to her roots.
The advantages of living in Lisbon extend beyond scenic views and improved weather; they integrate seamlessly with Slimani's lifestyle as well. "We rent an apartment and order a car right after school to hit the beach," she reminisced about the laid-back life she cherishes now. Living away from the relentless pace of Paris allows her to embrace both personal and creative rejuvenation.
Despite initially considering Boston—where Harvard University offered her the opportunity to teach creative writing—Slimani and her family pivoted to Lisbon due to the restrictive circumstances imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision has undoubtedly transformed their lives, enabling them to cultivate new experiences and explore different avenues of personal expression away from the spotlight.
The capital of Portugal promises more than just favorable weather and gentle lifestyle but also integrates the essence of Slimani's Moroccan identity and artistic sensibilities. Her move to Lisbon appears to be strategically aligned not only with her career goals but also with a desire to provide her children with enriching cultural experiences, connecting them with nature and the arts.
Completing her upcoming promotional tour, Slimani's reflections weave between her book's themes and her life changes, enriching each narrative she shares. This cross-pollination of literature and life demonstrates her ability to intertwine storytelling with lived experiences, engaging her audience with rich, heartfelt narratives.
While facing the uncertain waters of transition, Slimani's move to Lisbon offers her the freedom, peace, and perspective she craves—both personally and creatively. Her literary pursuits, complemented by the lessons learned from her surroundings, empower her to continue as one of the leading voices of contemporary literature.