Talking Location With author Colin Wallace – Algeria

27th October 2018

TalkingLocationWith…. Colin Wallace, author of Am I Unique? set in Algeria.

Here Colin talks to us about the inspiration for setting….

In my career I have worked and lived in many countries, but none have made the same impact or possessed the same allure for me, as Algeria. I have spent many happy years working and living in the country.  My first visit was in 1964, and the country had only been independent for a couple of years. It was during this period when I obtained a better insight and understanding of the Algerian War of Independence and serves as the main plot of my novel. During my first visit, I spent a lot of time in Laghouat and Ghardaia, and my love for the country first stirred and over the following years developed into a passion. As if in tribute to this passion and the memory of many friends I made in the country, I decided to set the main the theme of my second novel (Am I Unique?) in Algeria.  Most of the incidents in the novel, are, with an element of poetic licence based on fact, which I suppose proves fact is stranger than fiction; also, the many places George Wilson visits do exist.

Algeria is a country of varying contrasts. The mystic of the Sahara, an area which sires no half-measure, one either loathes the desolation of the landscape or, loves as if an exotic mistress, the serene beauty of the desert. There is a wonderful sensation driving through a barren landscape that at times projects a lunar-like image and at other times with rolling dunes, a ‘Beau Geste’ setting; then, as if by magic springing up from nowhere, on rounding a bend in the road or climbing an incline in the road, the spell bounding view of a charming desert oasis town. The palm groves, where on entering on foot, you can enjoy the coolness of nature’s air conditioning, walk on a carpeting of lush grass. The architecture of the houses and buildings which fit in so well with the environment.  A perfect example being driving south from Laghouat (Gateway to the Sahara) and after some two hundred kilometres of barren landscape the marvel of entering the small desert town of Berrriane and on for another sixty kilometres before stopping to peer down at the massive M’zab valley where nestle the 5 villages making up Ghardaia, the home of the Mozabites. The area is renowned for Date producing and handmade carpets of exquisite designs.

This area is within easy reach of the capital Algiers and an ideal itinerary for the first-time visitor, is to drive from Algiers, cutting through the majestic Atlas Mountains and if with time to spare stop to feed the monkeys. Leaving the mountains, the road traverses a great plain and on reaching Laghouat make an overnight stop. You may well even be tempted to stay a day or two to explore the town and surrounding area and then on to Ghardaia some two hundred and forty kilometres or so away. There is a good tarmac road all the way. The more adventuress traveller may wish to carry on driving south from Ghardaia and after many hundreds of kilometres arrive at the Hoggar Mountains and home of the ‘Blue Veiled’ men and then on to Tamanrasset.

For the history lover, the Sahara during the French colonisation period has a ‘Boy’s Own’ appeal. There are many books covering this era and the characters who played a role in the exploration of the Sahara.

The appeal and attraction of the country is not confined to sand dunes, date palms and desert oases. The stretch of land north of the Atlas Mountains has its individual charm. This is the main agriculture area, with orange groves, vineyards, wheat fields and other produce. There is a rural atmosphere to the villages and small towns in the area.  Again, for the history lover, there are many fine Roman ruins to visit; and Algeria’s many fine beaches bordering the Mediterranean are a sun worshipper’s paradise. Towards the east lays the mountainous Kabylie region, often referred to as Little Switzerland. The highest peaks are snow-capped for the greater part of the year. Picturesque villages appear to cling limpet-like to the mountain sides. The Kabylie’s have their own language and proud of their heritage.

Whilst Algeria has not the same tourist appeal as Tunisia or Morocco, the country can equal if not better, their bordering neighbours for attractions.

Thank you so much to Colin for such unique insights into the country!

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