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Moroccan poet and novelist Mohammed Achaari discusses his second novel, The Arch and the Butterfly. The novel revolves around leftwing journalist Youssef al-Firwisi whose life is shattered when he learns his only son has been killed fighting for Islamists in Afghanistan. The novel examines questions of religious extremism, changing cultural identity and generational change, reflecting many of the issues prevalent in the Middle East today.

Achaari is a poet, short story writer, novelist, journalist, former Minister of Culture in Morocco and head of the Union of Moroccan Writers, and is flying in from Morocco to appear at the festival..