Gamal Ghitany was born in Egypt in 1945. Self-taught, he is now considered to be the rightful heir of Naguib Mahfouz. He has written numerous short stories and novels, namelyLivre des Illuminations (Seuil, 2005). His latest book, the fifth volume of Poussières de l’effacement, is a work of memory which aims to vanquish the painful disappearance of time by rescuing memories from obscurity. In bringing moments from the past to life – all these flecks of dust which resist being forgotten – he provides a deep and emotional kaleidoscope of Egypt, its inhabitants, its districts and its oriental sensuality.