The Night Will Have Its Say

The Night Will Have Its Say is a retelling of the Muslim wars of conquest in North Africa during the seventh century CE, narrated from the perspective of the conquered peoples. The story takes place in 693, involving a tense exchange between Berber warrior queen al-Kahina and an emissary from Umayyad General Hassan ibn Nu'man, against the backdrop of previous conflicts and victories. Written in a unique and poetic voice, the narrative explores themes such as the futility of war, the privileges of an elite few, the destruction of natural habitats and indigenous cultures, and questions about religious texts. It provides a masterful account of conquest and resistance, infused with a sense of disaster and exile from language, the desert, and homeland.