Isabella Hammad, celebrated author of ‘The Parisian’, has just been crowned the 2024 Encore Award Winner by the Royal Society of Literature (RSL). Her second novel, ‘Enter Ghost’, has been embraced by the literary world as “profound as it is powerful”. This thrilling announcement marks a noteworthy milestone in Hammad’s career, validating her position among the great literary figures of our time.
Evolving beautifully against the backdrop of global strife, the novel impresses the audience with its rich exploration of art’s essential, humanising role. Awarded a substantial prize pot of £15,000 (an increase from the previous £10,000), Hammad’s triumph not only reflects her literary genius but also the timely relevance of her work.
Faced with a shortlist of equally compelling authors like Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, A. K. Blakemore, Úna Mannion, and Megan Nolan, Hammad’s victory signals the enduring allure of a masterfully penned second novel. The Encore Award, celebrating the ‘difficult second novel, applauds authors who successfully venture beyond their debut, and this year, Hammad has emerged as the radiant torchbearer.
Hammad’s path to glory is paved with multiple accolades, including the Plimpton Prize for Fiction, the Sue Kaufman Prize, the Palestine Book Award, and a Betty Trask Award. She joins the esteemed ranks of previous Encore Award winners such as Sally Rooney, Ali Smith, and Caoilinn Hughes, making this current recognition a testament to her enduring potential.
Described by this year’s judges – Fergal Keane, Malika Booker, and Maura Dooley – as a tale braided with “compassion and wisdom,” ‘Enter Ghost’ explores the complexities of the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of Sonia, a British Palestinian actress. Tackling family tensions, heartbreak, and political impositions, Hammad’s narrative culminates in a thrilling climax during a production of Hamlet, staged amidst Israeli troops.
Capping off her victorious journey, Hammad received her award at a grand event in central London, hosted by former Encore Award winner, Caoilinn Hughes. Echoing the sentiments of writers and literature enthusiasts worldwide, Hammad expressed her exhilaration at this honour, acknowledging the unique challenges and rewards of navigating the path from the first book to the second.