Mustapha Zem worked in accounting and financial management. After a serious fall that left him in a coma and later caused a loss of inhibition, he turned to writing as a path toward healing. “Les pas perdus” became his first published work, a cathartic and redemptive process.

Mustapha Zem’s book offers a deeply introspective and moving narrative that sheds light on the emotional complexities of immigration. The novel reflects the often-unspoken struggles of North African immigrants in France, particularly during the 1980s.

The story, rooted in Zem’s own experiences, explores the lives of his parents and siblings as they navigated a new world marked by both opportunity and exclusion. Through vivid memories of his childhood in a French housing estate, the author captures the cultural dislocation and silent resilience of his community.

Zem also shared emotional anecdotes about his mother, a woman of immense strength who raised five children with unwavering love. He spoke candidly of her role as the family’s emotional anchor, a theme that echoes throughout the book.

“Les pas perdus” is much more than a personal memoir;  it is a testament to endurance, love, and identity. Through poignant storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Mustapha Zem gives voice to those whose stories often remain in the shadows. His novel honors not only his family’s journey but also the broader immigrant experience, marked by sacrifice, hope, and silent strength. It invites readers to reflect on the human cost of migration and the enduring ties that bind us to our origins, even in unfamiliar lands.