Making Texts Flow from South to North: Elyzad Publishing’s Two-Decade Mission
In the heart of Tunis, a quiet literary revolution began two decades ago. Founded by Elisabeth Daldoul and later joined by Vanessa Pcastaings, Elyzad publishing house set out with a clear and ambitious mission: to bring the rich tapestry of French-speaking Arab and African writers to a global audience. Their unique journey, dedicated to making texts flow from the Global South to the North, has since blossomed into a remarkable success story.
A Vision for Cultural Bridges
What does it take to build a cultural bridge with books? For the founders of Elyzad, it required a steadfast commitment to voices often overlooked by mainstream publishing circuits. The house dedicated itself not just to publishing, but to curating a library of narratives that reflect the complexities, beauty, and diversity of the Arab and African worlds.
Their catalog serves as a vibrant testament to this vision, introducing new audiences to novels that might otherwise have remained confined to their regions of origin. This effort goes beyond mere translation; it is an act of cultural diplomacy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation across geographical and cultural divides.
Two Decades of Curated Success
The path carved out by Daldoul and Pcastaings was anything but conventional. In an industry often dominated by major European players, a Tunis-based publisher focusing on this specific literary niche was a bold venture. Yet, their focus on quality and authentic storytelling has been crowned with significant success.
By championing authors from these regions, Elyzad has effectively shifted the narrative, proving there is a hungry and appreciative readership for these stories worldwide. Their work ensures that the literary map is more inclusive, allowing Arabic and African novels to claim their rightful place on the international stage.
As Elyzad celebrates twenty years, its story is a powerful reminder of literature’s role in connecting humanity. It stands as a beacon for independent publishing, demonstrating that with passion and precision, texts can indeed flow powerfully from South to North.
Source: Original reporting based on the initiative of Elisabeth Daldoul and Vanessa Pcastaings.