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Touhfat Mouhtare Wins the Renaissance French Literature Prize for *Choses qui arrivent*
Comorian author Touhfat Mouhtare has been awarded the prestigious Renaissance French Literature Prize for her novel Choses qui arrivent (Things That Happen), published in August 2025 by Bayard. The prize recognizes works written in French by authors for whom French is not their native language, celebrating the richness and diversity of the Francophone world.
A Prize with Meaning
Founded in 2015, the Renaissance French Literature Prize highlights literary voices from diverse backgrounds.It encourages intercultural dialogue and promotes diversity within the French-speaking literary landscape. The jury, presided over by Daniel Rondeau of the French Academy and honorary president of the Renaissance française, presented the award to Mouhtare on Wednesday, January 21st.
The Symbolism of the Knot
Choses qui arrivent tells the story of a woman from the Comoros who travels to France illegally to pursue her education. The novel explores the fear of discovery and the urgency of her situation, using the metaphor of a knot. The protagonist must unravel “eleven knots tied a long time ago on the rope of her life” throughout the course of the 11 chapters.
Previous Works and Recognition
Mouhtare’s first novel, Âmes suspendues (Suspended Souls), was published in 2011 by Coelacanthe. She previously received the Alain-Spiess Prize in 2022 for Le feu du milieu (The Middle Fire), published by Le Bruit du monde and later reissued by
