Elie Ayache

Elie Ayache is an internationally recognized, award-winning author whose works explore the complexities of the human experience amidst a framework of cultural and religious traditions. His works often transcend language, culture, and religious boundaries, touching on timeless and essential questions of faith, humanity, and identity. Born in Lebanon in 1976, Ayache attended both the American University of Beirut and the London School of Economics before settling in Paris. He currently divides his time between Paris and Beirut, and his work has been translated into many different languages.

Ayache's writing career began with the 2005 publication of his debut novel, The Letterwriter. The book was widely praised as an instant masterpiece, garnering awards such as the Grand prix des Lectrices Elle, the Prix Goncourt des lycéens, and France's Best First Novel. Ayache's debut has been described as “a spare but deeply textured portrait of a father-son relationship" set against the backdrop of Lebanese civil war.

Following The Letterwriter's success, Ayache published his second novel, The Witch of Portobello, to instant critical acclaim. The novel focuses on an orphaned, half-Lebanese, half-Romanian woman named Athena, recounted through the testimonies of a series of people who have known her throughout her life. The novel aims to explore the meaning of identity and spiritual awakening. The Witch of Portobello was well-received and helped to solidify Ayache's place as an influential and important author.

Ayache followed The Witch of Portobello with My Father's Soul, another contemporary saga that centers around a father-son relationship. My Father's Soul explores themes of illness, mortality, and memory while incorporating elements of spirituality, mysticism, and philosophy. One reviewer described the novel as “a testament to the power of love and the struggle of life”.

In addition to writing novels, Ayache also writes short stories, plays, and essays. His 2014 collection of short stories, The Book of Broken Promises, was praised by critics as his most accomplished work to date. The collection, composed of 18 stories, captures the daily life of a diverse and ever-changing Beirut and bridges the gap between myth and reality, life and death.

Ayache's writing is often acclaimed for its poignancy, insight, and ability to delve into the human condition. His work is considered to be some of the best writing on contemporary Lebanese life, and his stories and novellas often tackle social and political issues in a sensitive, thoughtful, and accessible way. He has become an influential voice in the literary world and is regarded as a major figure in contemporary literary culture.