Photo : Ville de Paris
Around Naguib Mahfouz: reading by Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet and meeting with Khaled Osman
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the Naguib Mahfouz Library celebrates the author whose name it bears.
Bibliothèque Naguib Mahfouz (Paris 20th)
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About
What happens at home, at work, in the street, that is the source of the stories.
Naguib Mahfouz, Egyptian writer, 1988 Nobel Prize in LiteratureNaguib Mahfouz (in Arabic: نجيب محفوظ, Naǧīb Maḥfūẓ), was an Egyptian writer born in Cairo in 1911 and died in 2006 in that same city. Through his writing, marked by tenderness and humanity, he profoundly renewed the traditional Arabic novel in connection with the historical, social, and cultural upheavals of his country in the 20th century.
On the occasion of his 50th anniversary and to celebrate this author, we invite you to listen to excerpts of his work, read by the actor Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet, and to meet Khaled Osman, the first translator of his novels into French.
This exceptional evening will conclude with a shared buffet
Khaled Osman was born in Egypt but grew up in France. He has always been interested in Arabic literature, first as a reader, then as a translator.
Disappointed by the poor quality of the Arabic library translated into French, he decided one day to contribute his own efforts to the edifice by trying his hand at translation.
After choosing The Thief and the Dogs, a work by Naguib Mahfouz, he translated two chapters and sent them by mail to the publisher Sindbad, a pioneer in publishing Arabic books in France. Three weeks later, the publisher commissioned him for the complete translation. The book was published in 1985 and marked the beginning of a passionate journey with Arabic texts.
In addition to novels, he has translated short texts, published articles for various magazines, worked as a literary and film critic, and made a late start as a novelist.
Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet is a French actor, director, and poet. A former member of the Paris Opera Children's Choir, he also trained in theater. He obtained his first major role in Strayed by André Téchiné, for which he was nominated for a César Award. Later, he also filmed for Christophe Honoré (Love Songs), Robert Guédiguian (The Army of Crime), and Bertrand Tavernier (The Princess of Montpensier).
In theater, he notably played Tartuffe (directed by Laurent Delvert) and Cyrano de Bergerac (directed by Anne Kessler).
In 2015, he wrote and directed his first feature film, The Forest of Quinconces, presented in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival.
Our take on this event
Experience the pulse of Cairo through the eyes of its most celebrated literary icon. Join us for an intimate evening where actor Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet brings Mahfouz's prose to life, followed by a fascinating discussion with the master's primary translator, Khaled Osman.
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Bibliothèque Naguib Mahfouz hosts a special evening dedicated to the Egyptian Nobel Prize laureate. From 19:00 to 21:00, enjoy a literary session featuring readings by actor Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet and a discussion with Khaled Osman, the primary translator of the author's novels into French. This event is free to attend and requires advance reservation via phone or email. The venue is wheelchair accessible and equipped for deaf or hard-of-hearing guests, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. The evening concludes with a shared buffet, celebrating the profound impact of Mahfouz's work on literature.
Join the celebration of Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz at the Bibliothèque Naguib Mahfouz on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This gathering, scheduled from 19:00 to 21:00 in the 20th arrondissement, explores the tender and humanistic themes that defined the author's work throughout the 20th century. Actor and director Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet will perform selected readings, bringing the narrative power of Mahfouz's stories to life for the audience.
The program includes a conversation with Khaled Osman, the dedicated translator who introduced many of Mahfouz's essential texts to French readers. His unique perspective as both a literary critic and a translator offers a rare insight into the challenges and passions behind translating Arabic literature. A shared buffet will follow these presentations, providing a space for informal discussion among attendees.
Admission is free for everyone, though prior booking is mandatory; you may secure your spot by contacting the librarians via phone or email. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users and provides accommodations for deaf or hard-of-hearing participants.
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