In view of the recent news in Syria, we want to highlight Pontas client, French novelist and journalist (deputy head of the foreign service at Libération, specialist in the Middle East) Camille Neveux whose debut novel published in March 2024 by JC Lattès is more relevant and urgent than ever. Le verger de Damas (An Orchard in Damascus) traces over three generations the destiny of a Syrian family from Daraya, in the southern suburbs of Damascus, from the 1990s to the present day, under Hafez then Bashar El-Assad. Translation rights have sold into Italian (Tre60 Libri) and Romanian (Litera) and the novel was longlisted for the 2024 Maison de la Presse Prize. All other translation and audiovisual rights are available.
The novel was widely acclaimed in the press and the author has made more appearances on national TV again in recent days on C ce soir (France 5) and En société (France 5).
The author also appeared on France24 to speak about Syria with fellow journalist Dana Alboz in May 2024, after publishing the novel. You can watch the clip below.
Through four characters, carried by a plot mixing past and present, the novel tells in depth the history of this city and the roots of a revolution born well before 2011, as well as the impossibility of living under a dictatorship when there is no freedom. It is a fascinating saga and a vibrant testimony; the author’s partner is Syrian, originally from Daraya, where he participated in the organization of the 2011 demonstrations and the revolution before reaching France. The novel is partly inspired by his story and that of his family, and nourished by their conversations.
For more information about the above title, please contact Carla Briner (carla@pontas-agency.com).