Canadian writer and journalist Omar El Akkad’s acclaimed memoir and manifesto have secured a spot as a finalist for the prestigious National Book Award in the United States this year. The National Book Foundation presents this annual literary prize, offering a substantial reward of $10,000 USD, recognizing exceptional works across various genres such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature.
El Akkad’s first foray into nonfiction, titled “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This,” delves into his reflections on truth, justice, privilege, and morality. The book stems from a poignant social media post he made in the aftermath of the Gaza bombardment in 2023, where he envisioned a future where condemnation would be unanimous but too late for accountability.
The National Book Foundation recently unveiled the finalists in each of the competitive categories, narrowing down from the initial longlists. Among the fiction finalists is Megha Majumdar with her latest novel “A Guardian and a Thief,” following her acclaimed debut “A Burning” in 2020. The fiction category also features works by Rabhi Alameddine, Karen Russell, Ethan Rutherford, and Bryan Washington, each painting stories across diverse settings from India to Nebraska and contemporary Tokyo.
In the nonfiction category, Yiyun Li’s poignant exploration of loss in “Things in Nature Merely Grow” stands out alongside works by Julia Ioffe, Claudia Rowe, and Jordan Thomas. The winners of the National Book Award will be announced during a gala event in downtown Manhattan on November 19, with special recognition going to fiction writer George Saunders and author-publisher Roxane Gay.
Omar El Akkad, a notable figure in Canadian literature who currently resides in Portland, Oregon, has previously received accolades for his works such as “American War” and “What Strange Paradise,” the latter winning the prestigious 2021 Scotiabank Giller Prize.
The National Book Award finalists cover a wide spectrum of themes and settings, showcasing the diversity and depth of contemporary literary talent.