Description
Algeria, 1954. In the remote stillness of a mountain village, fifteen-year-old Baktha leads a life shaped by tradition and the rhythms of the land. But beyond the silence of the valleys, the winds of change begin to stir violently. The French colonial authorities, facing mounting calls for independence, respond with an iron fist, determined to crush any sign of rebellion.
Baktha’s father, a respected figure in the village, becomes one of the first to take up the cause, joining the ranks of the newly formed FLN — the National Liberation Front. His commitment marks the beginning of an armed struggle, and the arrival of a war that remains unspoken, yet leaves no corner of the country untouched.
As the conflict spreads, bringing fear, death, and devastation in its wake, Baktha finds herself swept into the heart of the resistance. Forced to abandon childhood far too soon, she becomes both witness and participant in a fight that demands everything — courage, sacrifice, and the strength to endure the unthinkable.
This novel is a gripping and poignant portrait of a nation in turmoil. Through Baktha’s eyes, we are plunged into the raw and haunting landscape of 1950s Algeria — a place where silence hides resistance, and where one girl’s journey becomes a testament to the spirit of a people who refused to be broken. A story of bravery and resilience, this is a powerful tribute to all those who fought, suffered, and dreamed of freedom.
