“Mon Arc et Yeha,” (My Arc and Yeah) the debut novel, written in French, by Samy Assad, invites readers on a profound journey through Algeria—exploring its history, culture, and tourism—via the unique experiences of a Cameroonian migrant.
Published by Hibr Editions, this 193-page novel tells the captivating story of Roger, a young Cameroonian cook whose fate intertwines with Yeha, a mysterious smuggler who promises to help him reach Europe in exchange for certain services.
In “Mon Arc et Yeha,” Samy Assad narrates the adventures of Roger, taking him from his hometown in Cameroon through various historic Algerian cities such as Timgad (Batna) and the M’zab Valley (Ghardaïa).
During this extraordinary journey, Roger encounters numerous characters, including Yeha, an antihero and infirm hermit who has found refuge among the ancient ruins of Timgad.
Throughout their escapades and trials, Yeha and Roger are compelled to spend extended time in different parts of Algeria, allowing them to explore the vast and culturally rich country.
Written in the third person, the novel employs this narrative style to provide more freedom, enabling detailed descriptions of locations and circumstances while portraying the distinctive traits of both present and absent characters.
Using accessible language and refined vocabulary, the novel resembles a travel journal, inviting readers to discover Algeria’s beauty and richness through Roger’s adventures across various regions.
For his first venture into novel writing, Samy Assad notes that “Mon Arc et Yeha” allowed him to “branch out into new horizons.” The young author sees it as a return to his “true calling” of storytelling, believing that short stories and narratives have gradually guided him toward writing novels.
When asked if the novel is based on a true singular experience, he acknowledges that video games significantly influenced the book’s unique atmosphere, alongside various other literary references.
The cover of the novel prominently features the archaeological site of Timgad, showcasing the Arch of Trajan (a Roman triumphal arch) depicted as a space-time portal, marking the destination of the Algerian Sahara—a pivotal point in Roger’s journey.
Additionally, the cover highlights Yeha, the antihero, looking out over the desert horizon. He holds a role equally important to Roger’s in this extraordinary adventure.
A tourism and philosophy enthusiast, Samy Assad has several publications to his name, including “Premières pérégrinations” and “Secondes escapades, récits philosophiques,” both published in 2021.
Source: APS
