Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza was declared the winner of the Island Prize for a Debut Novel from Africa 2024 on Monday, July 15, 2024.
The Island Prize for a Debut Novel from Africa is a prize from Holland House Books (UK), Karavan Press (SA), and Booker Prize longlistee Karen Jennings. It aims to give writers from Africa (or the diaspora) a chance to showcase their work to a wider audience, with the possibility of feedback, mentoring, meeting with a potential agent, and publication (both in the UK and South Africa). Reem Gaafar first won it in 2023.
The jury for 2024 comprised prize founder Karen Jennings, previous winner Reem Gaafar, and Wasafiri’s Editor and Publishing Director Sana Goyal. They announced the longlist on February 23 before the shortlist was revealed on Monday, May 13.
The winner of the award is Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza’s Freelance a story about the human cost of corruption and unchecked power, and the struggle for justice in a complex political landscape.
Responding to the win Kundizeza said, “It’s an absolute honour to have my debut novel recognized and celebrated in such a prestigious manner. From the depths of my heart, I want to express my sincere thanks to every one of you who believed in me and my work.”
Read an interview with the winner by Karen Jennings at Brittlepaper here.
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