Local Therapy

Soleïman Adel Guémar is about the same age as the independent republic of Algeria. He worked as a freelance investigative journalist from 1991 until 2002, when he claimed political asylum in the UK following threats to his life. The last article he published as a resident of Algeria was titled ‘Dangerous Investigations’ (Liberté, 26.11.2002). The stories in 'Local Therapy' (translated by Tom Cheesman, ISBN 978-0-9545147-6-1, with cover photo by Christian Als) mostly first appeared in the Algerian press between 1992 and 2002. Adel's stories, like his poetry, have “a fighter’s edge, a tough beauty” (Lisa Appignanesi). They address the agonies of contemporary Algeria and the survival, despite everything, of dreams of a different world. His political poems are published in "State of Emergency" (Arc Publications, 2007), in French with English translations by TC and John Goodby. Further Hafan Books at: www.lulu.com/hafan