Ryad Girod was born in 1970 in Algiers, where he teaches mathematics in the Lycée International d’Alger. He has also spent time as a teacher in Riyad and Paris, and has lived in Saudi Arabia, as well as Algeria, France, and Syria. Girod is a part of what the French press have labeled the October Generation, along with fellow writers such as Adlène Meddi, Samir Toumi and others who came of age around the time of the October Riots in 1988. This is his first book to appear in English.

“Written in a mesmerizing language, Mansour’s Eyes celebrates the Sufi heritage against a dark and violent Islam. Strong, subtle and marvelous.”—Le Figaro“Ryad Girod offers the contrast between the world leaders occupying center stage and metaphysical withdrawal. A book of stunning beauty!”—La Croix“Mansour’s Eyes is the novel of the new Arab world. This generational novel, the novel of globalization, succeeds in expressing the questions, problems, desires, disappointments, frustrations and revolts of our time.”—En Attendant Nadeau