First published 1963

The poems are presented in both French and English.

About the Author

Anna Greki was born and raised in Algeria. Though her parents were from France, Greki identified as Algerian, married an Algerian man, and fought against the French in the Algerian War of Independence against colonialism. She was tortured and imprisoned by the colonial government for her role.

The Streets of Algiers was her second book of poetry and was published after her death in childbirth at the age of 34.

My Thoughts

Greki’s poems are passionate, sensual, violent, tender, revolutionary, and angry. These poems contain raw emotions, and I found them deeply moving.

Her love for her country and her anti-colonialism are evident, and yet, these poems are clearly written by an individual who has experienced the horrors of war. There are odes to those who have been tortured for the cause and references to a friend who was burnt alive.

Poetry doesn’t always translate well, and, not speaking French, I can’t speak to the accuracy of the translation, but I can speak to the beauty of the translation. The poems are stunning works of art.

My Challenges

Originally published in 1963, I have chosen this book as one of the 50 books of the Classics Club Challenge. I’ve also selected it as book 11of my Around the Globe in 193 Books Challenge.