About the Author

Tahar Djaout was an Algerian journalist, poet, and fiction writer. He was born in Azeffoun, in the relatively secular Kabylie region. He was assassinated by the rebel Armed Islamic Group because of his support of secularism and opposition to what he considered fanaticism. He was attacked on May 26, 1993, as he was leaving his home in Bainem, Algeria. He died on June 2, after lying in a coma for a week. The main reason for his assanation besides his beliefs was his ability with the pen to project and sway people with his writing. His death drew attantion to his writing and he became a internationally acclaimed author. With his most renowned book being The Last Summer of Reason.

http://www.abc.net.au/compass/series/1997/shooting.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tahar_Djaout