Shereen Malherbe Named Juror for the 2026 Neustadt International Prize for Literature

I’m incredibly honored to share some exciting news with you all, I’ve been selected as one of the international jurors for the prestigious Neustadt International Prize for Literature! Often referred to as “the American Nobel,” this is a significant moment in my literary journey, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of a jury that is routinely made up of “the very best writers in the world,” as described by RC Davis-Undiano, Executive Director of World Literature Today.
The Neustadt International Prize for Literature celebrates the very best in global literature, and being selected to help choose its next laureate is not only a humbling honor but also a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping the world’s narratives. As a writer who has always been passionate about the intersection of history, culture, and identity, I am deeply excited to contribute to this celebration of voices from all parts of the globe.
Being chosen as a juror for such an esteemed prize is a moment of reflection for me, a reminder of the power that stories have to bridge divides and bring understanding across cultures. As someone who writes from the heart of my own experiences, I’m honoured to help elevate the voices of others whose work resonates on a global scale.
A Call to Explore My WorksIf you haven’t had the chance to dive into my writing yet, now is the perfect time. As I take part in shaping the future of world literature, I encourage you to explore the stories I’ve written, stories that delve deeply into themes of identity, belonging, memory, and the spaces between cultures.
From my latest novel, Yassini Girls, to my children’s book series, my work continues to explore the complexities of Palestinian life, the nuances of diaspora, and the quiet moments that often hold the most meaning. Each of my books offers an intimate portrayal of lives that resist erasure, highlighting stories of resilience and survival that defy borders and time.
What’s Next?As I continue to work on my next novel, I look forward to sharing more with you all in the coming months. I can’t wait to bring new stories to life that explore the spaces between memory and identity, stories that resist the silence of forgotten voices.
In the meantime, please explore my catalogue of books, I hope you’ll find something that resonates with you. If you are an educator, then please visit my free Educational Resources page.
Thank you for your continued support on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more exciting updates soon!