Men Don’t Cry

Faïza Guène is a French writer and director. She was born in France in 1985 to parents of Algerian origin. Spotted at a writing workshop at the age of 18, Faïza made an astonishing literary debut with the international bestseller, Kiffe kiffe demain (Hachette littérature, 2004), which has been translated into over thirty languages. This was followed by two further novels Du rêve pour les oufs. (Hachette Littératures, 2006) and Les gens du Balto. (Hachette Littératures, 2008). Faïza has acquired a reputation as one of France’s most unique contemporary literary voices. Faïza has also directed several short films, including Rien que des mots (2004).

Sarah Ardizzone has translated 50-something titles from around the French-speaking world. Her work spans travel memoirs, graphic novels, picture books, as well as literary fiction for all ages. Her translation of Faïza Guène’s Kiffe-Kiffe Demain (Just Like Tomorrow) won the Scott Moncrieff Prize, the IBBY UK Honour title, was shortlisted for the Young Minds Book Award, and longlisted for both the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Sarah and Faïza have enjoyed a special author-translator friendship for 16years. Other authors include Daniel Pennac, Gaël Faye, Alain Mabanckou and Yasmina Reza. Sarah’s interest in sharp dialogue and multi-heritage slang was nourished by the Algerian neighbourhoods of Marseille and the young South Londoners of Live Magazine. Born in Brussels and based in Brixton, Sarah lives with her documentary filmmaker husband and young son.