Born in the oasis of Nefta, in south-west Tunisia, from a well-known family of writers, Bashir Khrayyef moved to Tunis at an early age. He taught in various areas of Tunisia and finally in Tunis, and also worked as a tradesman in Tunis’ medina.  He published his first short stories at the age of twenty and went on to write several novels, all well received. His writing is known for the liveliness of its dialogues, written in Tunisian Arabic. The Union of Arab writers included him among the 100 best novelists of the 20th century.