Palestinian author Ibtisam Azem’s novel The Book of Disappearance has been longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025. The book, originally written in Arabic and translated into English by Sinan Antoon, was published by And Other Stories Publishing, which announced the recognition on Instagram.
The novel explores a thought-provoking scenario where all Palestinians suddenly vanish, leaving Israelis to confront their absence. Through the perspectives of Palestinian protagonist Alaa and his Zionist neighbor Ariel, the book delves into themes of memory, loss, and identity. The Booker Prize judges praised it as “spare yet evocative” and “an unforgettable glimpse into contemporary Palestine.”
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Azem, who was born in Jaffa and later moved to Germany and the U.S., shared that her inspiration came from personal experiences of feeling invisible. In an earlier interview, she explained that the novel allowed her to creatively explore both reality and possibility, making use of speculative fiction to highlight Palestinian struggles.
The longlist features 13 works, including entries from Japan, Romania, and other countries. The shortlist will be announced in April, with the winner set to receive £50,000 at a ceremony in London in May.
