Rania Mamoun Wins Prestigious British Literary Award

Moatinoon
The British organization English PEN has announced that Sudanese writer Rania Mamoun has won the prestigious PEN Translates Award for her book Under the Neem Tree, the English edition translated from Arabic by Elisabeth Jaquette and published by the UK-based Comma Press.

The novel was selected among 18 literary works from 14 publishing houses, representing 12 languages and 16 regions worldwide, underscoring the program’s commitment to cultural and literary diversity.

Mamoun’s win marks a new addition to Sudanese literature on the global literary scene. The PEN Translates program selects works based on their high literary quality, the strength of the publishing project, and their contribution to enhancing diversity in the British book market. Under the Neem Tree explores human and social themes that reflect everyday life and profound transformations within Sudanese society, conveyed through an intimate and concentrated narrative style.

Rania Mamoun is considered one of the most prominent contemporary Sudanese literary voices. Her works have been published in several languages and have attracted growing critical attention outside the Arab world. This award reflects the increasing interest of international literary institutions in literature emerging from conflict and marginalized regions, as well as their belief in the vital role of translation in bringing these voices to new readers.

Born and educated in Wad Madani, Mamoun currently resides in the United States. She has worked as a newspaper editor, columnist, and radio and television presenter. She has published several novels, including The Green Flash and Son of the Sun, as well as a short story collection titled Thirteen Months of Sunrise, which has been translated into Korean, French, and Spanish.