I liked Sartre's views but not his writing.

I do not use the language of my people. I can take liberties with certain themes which the Arabic language would not allow me to take.

A modern civilization is only possible when it is accepted that singular beings exist and express themselves freely.

My characters are driven by a passionate desire for justice. They are rebellious and incorruptible.

I don't feel guilty about expressing myself in French; nor do I feel that I am continuing the work of the colonizers.

Intellectuals try to keep going. But their situation is very difficult. Those who have had the courage to voice their opposition have often paid a very high price.

There is an important erotic element in A Thousand and One Nights, which is one of the keys to understanding the Orient.