Six Novels Vie for Prestigious Arabic Novel Prize
The international Prize for the Arabic Novel has announced its shortlist for the 18th annual award, featuring six compelling works from across the Arab world. The declaration, made at a press conference in Alexandria, Egypt, on an unspecified date, sets the stage for a highly anticipated award ceremony in Abu Dhabi on April 24, 2025.
The shortlisted novels represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives from six Arab countries: the UAE,Syria,Iraq,Lebanon,Egypt,and Mauritania. This year’s shortlist includes several first-time nominees, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. Among the finalists are established authors like Azhar Gerges and Tayseer Khalaf, who have previously reached the final stages of the award.
the six novels selected for the shortlist are: “Danchend” by Mauritanian Ahmed val El Din; “Wadi Al -Farashat” by Iraqi Azhar Gerges; “Andalusian Christ” by Syrian Tayseer Khalaf; “The Code of Women” by Lebanese hanin Al -Sayegh; “Anxiety prayer” by Egyptian Mohamed Samir Nada; and “The Light Texture” by Emirati Nadia Al -Najjar.
Mona Baker, chair of the jury, highlighted the human element as a central theme in the shortlisted novels. She stated:
the six novels that were chosen on the short list this year were distinguished by focusing on the human side of her main characters, whether the character was a druze woman from Lebanon’s estates in the twenty-first century in the “Phase of Women”, Or the argument of Islam, Imam Abu hamid Muhammad al -Ghazali, in the twelfth century AD in “Danchend”, and whether it was Focusing on the journey of exploration of a blind woman to her four senses in the “texture of light”, or the Andalusian journey Issa or Jesus in searching for his mother’s killer in “Andalusian Christ”, and whether she depicts a reality mixed with creativity and tragedy mixed with comedy, where the main character harnesses everything, that is that Her weapon to confront the tragic facing in “Wadi Al -Farash”, or whether the novelist chooses to photograph The realist of characters is in their depth symbols of political or social situations, and this prompts the reader to discover positions in reality, but they are nothing but apparent influences characterized by clothing and ambiguity in “anxiety prayer”, which makes their readings vary and multiply.
Yasser Suleiman, chairman of the board of trustees, emphasized the diversity and creativity of the shortlisted works. He noted:
The narratives of this short list calls for the reader to taste and enjoy them, to diversify its themes, the ingenuity of its methods, and the multiplicity of its voices, and also its demographic area, and the anthropological soul that distinguishes some of these accounts of the reader takes on exploration trips The narration goes beyond the conventional paths to aspects of Arab cultural life, no it is indeed easy to access it except from the inside, and the female component plays a prominent role in some works.
The press conference, held at the libary of Alexandria, included participation from jury members Bilal Al -Afeh Lee, Sambessa beltonn, Saeed Benkrad, Maryam Al -Hashemi, as well as Yasser Suleiman, Flore Montanara, and Ahmed Zayed, director of the Library of Alexandria. The award, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, offers a $50,000 prize to the winning novel and aims to promote contemporary Arabic literature globally through translation and publication.
The winner of the 18th International Prize for the Arabic Novel will be announced during a televised ceremony in Abu Dhabi on April 24, 2025.
A Spotlight on the Prestigious Arabic Novel Prize: Diverse Voices and Human Connections
Unveiling the Power of Narrative in the Arab World
Opening Remark:
The world of literature is replete with surprises, but the recent declaration of this year’s shortlist for the international Prize for the Arabic Novel stands out like a beacon of inspiration. What astounding depth and diversity these six novels bring to the table, showcasing the rich tapestry of narratives from across the Arab world!
Q: Can you share how the diverse nationalities among the shortlisted novels contribute to a broader understanding of Arab culture and literature?
A: The presence of novels from the UAE, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, and Mauritania on this year’s shortlist effectively captures the essence of the Arab cultural mosaic. Each country offers unique perspectives shaped by its history, societal norms, and artistic expressions, enriching the overall literary landscape.For instance, a Mauritanian novelist like Ahmed Val El Din in “Danchend” delves into past religious figures such as Imam Abu Hamid Muhammad al-Ghazali, revealing layers of philosophical introspection that might not surface in works from other regions. Conversely, Egyptian novelist Mohamed Samir Nada in “Anxiety Prayer” explores themes that blend political realism with social critique, providing insight into contemporary Egyptian society. This cross-regional depiction underlines the strength and versatility of Arabic literature by fostering an inclusive dialog that spans continents yet resonates universally.
Q: What role does the central human theme play in connecting these varied stories from different Arab lands?
A: Central to these narratives is the exploration of the human condition—a timeless theme that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. by focusing on the individual human experiences of main characters, these novels resonate deeply with readers. For example, in “The Code of Women” by Hanin Al-Sayegh, the journey of a Druze woman in the twenty-first-century Lebanon delivers an explorative account of identity and resilience. Simultaneously occurring, narratives like “The Light texture” by Emirati Nadia Al-Najjar, which follows a blind woman’s exploration of her senses, touch on themes of perception and self-discovery. By drawing readers into the protagonists’ lives, these novels emphasize our shared humanity, bridging cultural gaps and forging a sense of empathy and understanding.
Q: How does the Prize for the Arabic Novel influence the global literary scene and encourage the translation and wider reach of Arabic works?
A: The Prizes’ contributions to the global literary landscape are profound. by spotlighting contemporary Arabic literature, the prize not only celebrates new and diverse voices but also acts as a catalyst for cultural exchange.winning novels receive a monetary award and the opportunity for translation and publication, which enhances accessibility for non-Arabic speaking audiences. This increased visibility transforms perceptions of Arabic literature, attracting global interest and encouraging international dialogue.Moreover, an emphasis on diverse narratives highlights the multiplicity of experiences within the Arab world, thereby fostering mutual respect and gratitude in the broader community.
Q: can you elaborate on the significance of including first-time nominees in this year’s list?
A: Including several first-time nominees introduces fresh insights and innovative storytelling techniques to the literary arena. These new voices often bring contemporary issues to the forefront, providing novel interpretations of cultural and social dynamics. Their presence on the shortlist not only elevates their status in the literary community but also energizes the industry with original perspectives. For instance, a first-time nominee might tackle ongoing societal topics like gender roles or identity crises in innovative formats, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling. This infusion of new ideas and styles challenges established norms and enriches the novel’s narrative landscape, ensuring its vitality and relevance in the digital age.
Q: How do you see the role of dynamic themes and methods highlighted in Yasser Suleiman’s remarks affecting modern readers’ engagement with literature?
A: Yasser Suleiman’s comments underscore the transition of literature into a domain where diverse thematics and inventive approaches captivate modern audiences. Contemporary readers often seek narratives that reflect their complexities and offer an escape into thought-provoking worlds. The ingenuity of storytelling methods and the exploration of profound themes—whether mystical, sociopolitical, or personal—draw readers into intricate narrative experiences. This complexity encourages readers to question, reflect, and engage deeply with the stories, offering more than mere entertainment but a chance to explore layered realities and gain broader perspectives.
Final Thoughts:
As we anticipate the unveiling of this year’s winner, we celebrate the exceptional array of narratives that challenge, inspire, and transform. The international Prize for the Arabic Novel exemplifies the strength of literature in connecting diverse voices, fostering empathy, and elevating universal human experiences. Engage with these stories, reflect on their complexities, and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.
We invite you to share your favorite or most anticipated Arabic literature and continue the dialogue surrounding these literary gems!