BZU professor’s novel named one of the best 16 Arabic novels

The International Prize for Arabic Fiction announced its longlist for the 2018 prize on January 17, 2018. The longlist, which comprised 14 novels chosen from 124 entries, included Professor of Media at Birzeit University Dr. Walid Shurafa’s “Heir of the Tombstones,” giving it a chance at qualifying for the shortlist and at winning the prize.

By being included in the longlist, “Heir of the Tombstones” is considered one of the best 16 novels in the Arab world in 2018. “I believe in creativity and the creative Palestinian novel, which tells the story of Palestine. Being included in the longlist leads me to believe that there is still some objectivity in the Arab world. No matter who gets chosen as the recipient of the prize, Palestine is the ultimate winner; it is the true author of the novel,” said Dr. Shurafa.

Dr. Shurafa dedicated his novel’s success to the martyrs of Palestine; his hometown of Beita, which he considers his primary inspiration; and Birzeit University, where he wrote the novel.

The shortlist, which will include the six best novels from the longlist, is expected to be announced next month, and the winning novel will be announced in April.