Sudanese-born novelist Leila Aboulela has been awarded the prestigious 2025 PEN Pinter Prize, in recognition of her compelling narratives exploring migration, faith, and the inner lives of Muslim women. The prize, inspired by Harold Pinter’s demand for writing that offers an “unflinching, unswerving gaze” at society, spotlights authors who sustain courage and truth in their work.
Born in Cairo and raised in Khartoum before relocating to Aberdeen, Scotland in 1990, Aboulela has over the years woven stories that bridge cultures without sacrificing spiritual depth. Across six novels and two short-story collections, including The Translator, Minaret, Lyrics Alley, and her most recent River Spirit, she has consistently centered the experiences of Muslim women navigating identity, memory, displacement, and belonging.
Judges praised Aboulela for offering “nuanced and rich perspectives on themes that are vital in our contemporary world: faith, migration and displacement,” and described her work as “a balm, a shelter and an inspiration” in times of global unrest. They also commended her fierce commitment to amplifying unheard narratives and reinforcing freedom of expression through quiet, honest storytelling.
Aboulela expressed both surprise and gratitude upon receiving the news, noting the significance of being a Sudanese Muslim immigrant acknowledged by an institution championing diverse voices. This award arrives amid ongoing suffering in regions like Sudan and Gaza, yet her work is being hailed as a source of solace and a conduit for empathy.
She will formally receive the award on 10 October at the British Library in London, where she will also nominate the winner of the PEN Pinter Writer of Courage award, which honors individuals who defend free expression, often at great personal risk.
With this recognition, Leila Aboulela joins the ranks of literary giants such as Arundhati Roy, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Salman Rushdie. Her achievement underscores the transformative power of storytelling, affirming for readers and writers alike that literature rooted in faith, migration, and cultural complexity not only deserves attention—it can reshape our understanding of humanity.
