Three Egyptian Authors Up for Arabic Fiction Prize

The 2015 International Prize for Arabic Fiction has finally announced the longlist of 16 competing novels that were picked out of a record breaking 180 entries. Out of the 16 authors are three Egyptian ones: Hisham El Khashin (Graphite), Muna El Sheemi (The Size of a Grape), and the previously longlisted Ashraf El Khamaisi (Sharp Turning). Out of nine Arab countries, Egypt and Lebanon top the list, each of them with three longlisted authors in the running. 

The novels nominated all vary greatly in style and theme, as their authors vary in age, gender and artistic school, making for a very diverse and rich list of novels. This year is also notable for featuring five women on the longlist, which is the highest number of women longlisted since the year the prize was released.

As has been done in the past, IPAF guarantees the winner an English translation of their novel, in order for Arabic literature to reach the world. The announcement of the winner of 2015’s IPAF will be held in a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Wed, May 6, which happens to be the day before Abu Dhabi’s International Book Fair. The prizes are a solid $50,000 for the winner, and $10,000 for the six shortlisted finalists.