I grew up in Morocco. I was born a Muslim, and, every year, I celebrated Christmas in a big white house in the country, halfway between Meknes and Fez. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
I am not patriotic or nationalistic, but the French language is like a country where I take refuge when I have nowhere else to go. It consoles me for everything. For me, the language no longer belongs to the colonialists. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
I don't listen to music. I know it's weird, and I have no explanation for that. But I never do. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
All fiction is based on truth - 'Madame Bovary' is based on a true story! — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
I think maternal instinct is a male construct that has been used for centuries to keep women in their place, at home. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
You want your children to love the nanny, but at the same time, you want to stay the mother, and you want to be… — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
The only way you can know someone is through their actions - you can never know what's going on inside them. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
Human darkness fascinates me; I find it intriguing. And there are few female characters who are explored in this light. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
I want to say that I can be Moroccan and speak about someone without speaking about his nationality. Because, you know, I have the… — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
My two sisters and I had a very nice nanny at home in Morocco until I was 13. I remember my parents saying how… — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
As a mother, you're only allowed to talk about the 'good' moments - not the ones when you've had enough and want to be… — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
I had a nanny growing up in Morocco, and my parents encouraged me to put myself in her shoes sometimes. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
Motherhood is not only something very pure and very full of love, it can be full of dark things, too. — Leila Slimani Copy Share Image
