Agnès Desarthe’s “Qui se Ressemble”: A Family History Illuminated by Oum Kalsoum

Agnès Desarthe’s latest work, Qui se ressemble (roughly translated as “Birds of a Feather”), published January 8, 2026, by Buchet-Chastel as part of the “La Résonnante” collection, explores themes of exile, language, and cultural identity through the lens of a cosmopolitan Jewish family’s journey between Algeria and France. The book uniquely intertwines personal memory with the music of Egyptian diva Oum Kalsoum, using her song “Ente Omri” as a guiding thread.

A Song as a Portal to the Past

Qui se ressemble is part of a literary collection aiming to resonate with both literature and music, bridging the intimate and the universal. Desarthe’s narrative is deeply autobiographical, recalling her experiences as a seven-year-old during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and her father’s arrival in Besançon, France, in 1956. The song “Ente Omri” by Oum Kalsoum serves as a catalyst, unlocking memories and connections to her paternal grandmother, Bouba.

Bouba: A Life Shaped by Migration

Desarthe draws parallels between Oum Kalsoum and her grandmother, Bouba, noting shared characteristics like sunglasses, a handkerchief, and fluency in Arabic. Bouba’s life was marked by multiple migrations: from Libya to Algeria, and finally to France in 1962 following Algerian independence. She primarily spoke Arabic and had limited French proficiency, leading to a poignant moment during the Yom Kippur War when her granddaughter mistakenly asked if it was a conflict with Germany.

“The Arabs Are Us”

This misunderstanding sparked a powerful realization for young Agnès: “The Arabs are us.” This phrase encapsulates the central theme of the book – the complex and often blurred lines of identity and belonging. Desarthe’s work subtly questions whether shared cultural affinities necessarily lead to closeness, or if they can instead fuel otherness and antagonism.

Exploring Sephardic and Ashkenazi Heritage

The book delves into the nuances of Desarthe’s Jewish family history, contrasting the traditions of her Sephardic paternal lineage, who spoke Arabic and strictly observed kashrut, with her Ashkenazi maternal side, which was less religiously observant. The memory of a grandfather murdered in Auschwitz looms large, representing a profound marker of Jewish identity.

A Reflection on War and Identity in a Contemporary Context

Desarthe’s choice to truncate the proverb “Qui se ressemble s’assemble” (birds of a feather flock together) is deliberate, prompting reflection on the complexities of identity. The book also subtly addresses the absurdity of past and present conflicts, with the October 7, 2023, attacks resonating with the questions that arose for Desarthe as a child fifty years prior. The author, without asserting definitive answers, manages to explore sensitive themes with intelligence and subtlety.

About the Book

• Title: Qui se ressemble
• Author: Agnès Desarthe
• Publisher: Buchet-Chastel (La Résonnante collection)
• Pages: 192
• Price: €19
• Publication Date: January 8, 2026