The Question Henri Alleg: A Powerful Account of Torture and Resistance in the Algerian Revolution

Henri Alleg's "The Question" is a harrowing firsthand account of the torture he endured during the Algerian War of Independence. Published in 1958, it became an international bestseller and a powerful indictment of French colonial practices. Alleg's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of speaking truth to power.

The Question

by Henri Alleg

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	466 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	69 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	156 pages
Item Weight	:	13 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.27 x 0.36 x 11.02 inches

FREE

Henri Alleg's Background

Henri Alleg was born in Algiers in 1921 to a French father and an Algerian mother. He grew up in a modest home and attended the École Normale Supérieure in Algiers, where he studied history and philosophy. In 1942, he joined the French Communist Party and became involved in the Algerian nationalist movement.

The Arrest and Torture

In June 1957, Alleg was arrested by French paratroopers and taken to a secret detention center in Algiers. He was accused of being a member of the National Liberation Front (FLN),the main Algerian nationalist group.

For the next five months, Alleg was subjected to a brutal campaign of torture. He was beaten, given electric shocks, and waterboarded. The French authorities hoped to break his will and force him to reveal information about the FLN.

Alleg refused to cooperate with his captors. He endured the torture with incredible fortitude and refused to betray his comrades. His unwavering resistance inspired others and helped to galvanize the Algerian resistance movement.

The Publication of "The Question"

In November 1957, Alleg managed to escape from his prison cell and flee to Tunisia. There, he wrote "The Question," which was published in 1958.

The book caused an international outcry. It exposed the horrific practices of the French authorities and helped to turn world opinion against the French colonial regime. "The Question" became a symbol of the Algerian struggle for independence and a powerful indictment of colonial torture.

Legacy

"The Question" remains a powerful and moving account of torture and resistance. It has been translated into more than 20 languages and has been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities around the world.

Alleg's story is a reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and fighting for what is right. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.

Henri Alleg's "The Question" is a powerful and moving account of torture and resistance in the Algerian War of Independence. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the horrors of colonialism and the importance of fighting for justice.

The Question

by Henri Alleg

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	466 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	69 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	156 pages
Item Weight	:	13 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.27 x 0.36 x 11.02 inches

FREE