Morocco-born writer Leila Slimani wins prestigious French literary prize

Morocco-born writer Leila Slimani has won France’s most prestigious literary prize, becoming only the 12th woman to be awarded the Prix Goncourt in 113 years.

Morocco-born writer Leila Slimani has won France’s most prestigious literary prize, becoming only the 12th woman to be awarded the Prix Goncourt in 113 years.

Moroccan-French author Leila Slimani received the French literary prize Prix Goncourt for her novel "Chanson douce" (Sweet Song). (REUTERS)

The prize jury, meeting in a chic Parisian restaurant as per a century-old tradition, rewarded the 35-year-old Franco-Moroccan author and journalist Thursday for her second novel, “Chanson Douce.”

The book, written as a long flashback that starts with the murder of two small children by their nanny in Paris, tells the story leading to the tragic crime.

Another female author, Yasmina Reza, won France’s Prix Renaudot literary award Thursday for her thrilling crime novel, “Babylone.”

Reza, a 57-year-old French playwright, novelist and essay writer, has won many other prizes, including two Tony Awards for her plays “Art” (1998) and “God of Carnage” (2009).