In Algiers, in 1936, the young Edmond Charlot fulfilled his dream of setting up Les Vraies Richesses: “… a library, a bookstore, a publishing house, but above all a place for friends who love the literature of the Mediterranean.”

Throughout the turbulent history of 20th century Algeria, Les Vraies Richesses remained. But now, in 2017, it has closed for good, destined to be turned into a beignet shop.

A young student, Ryad, has arrived to clear out the shop, but he is keenly watched by Abdullah, an old man and former employee of Les Vraies Richesses …

Episode Five
Before he returns to Paris, Ryad tries to find new homes for some of Les Vraies Richesses’ books.

Kaouther Adimi was born in Algeria and lives in France A Bookshop in Algiers is her third novel and was published in France in 2017, where it got the trifecta of major French award nominations (the Goncourt, Renaudot and Médicis prizes).

Writer: Kaouther Adimi
Translator: Chris Andrews
Readers: Raad Rawi and Ferdinand Kingsley
Abridger: Jeremy Osborne
Producer: Jeremy Osborne

A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4 Show less