Blue White Green

Through the lives and love of Lilas and Ali, we see Algeria as it grows into its own independence

For a young boy named Ali, the first few days of Algerian independence are tumultuous. The changes around him-a military coup, war with neighboring states, and new national values—seem to erupt all at once, both challenging and thrilling him. Just as his external world changes, so does his internal world, as the love between him and his classmate, Lilas, grows. The novel Blue White Green follows the two on their journey from adolescence to adulthood as their country recreates itself. As Lilas celebrates her newfound chance to go to school, participate in politics, and choose whom to marry, her impending roles as wife of Ali and mother of their child force her to confront how tradition continues to hold fast.

Maïssa Bey's novel recounts three decades of Algerian history through the eyes of two children. Ali and Lilas watch their country gain independence, celebrate the victories of decolonization, and slide into a brutal civil war, all while negotiating their own experiences coming of age and falling in love.

Beautifully translated by Erin Twohig, this novel is narrated with humor and keen cultural observations, and offers a unique perspective on a nation with a compelling postcolonial story, which until now has remained inaccessible to English-language readers.