"Azazel" (Beelzebub), the winner of the 2009 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) in March, will be published in six European languages next year.
The 2009 IPAF award, presented during a televised ceremony in Abu Dhabi to Egyptian author Youssef Ziedan, has been instrumental in supporting sales of the publishing and translation rights throughout Europe for this enthralling historical novel, and in Indonesia.
The International Prize for Arabic Fiction (also referred to as the "Arab Booker Prize), is widely known by its initials IPAF. It rewards excellence in contemporary Arabic creative writing and encourages wider readership of quality Arabic literature internationally. The prize was officially launched in Abu Dhabi in April 2007 with the support of the Emirates Foundation and in association with the Booker Prize Foundation.
To date, Andrew Nurnberg Associates International - acting for Youssef Ziedan - has secured deals for Azazel with Atlantic Books of the UK, Luchterhand in Germany, Neri Pozza in Italy, Livanis in Greece, Ljevak in Bosnia and Croatia, Trei in Romania - as well as Serambi in Indonesia.
Set in fifth century Upper Egypt, Alexandria and northern Syria, Ziedan’s story unfolds during a critical point in Christian history - the period following the Roman Empire’s adoption of the ’new’ religion. The novel highlights the internal doctrinal conflicts rising among the fathers of the Church on the one hand, and between the ’new’ believers and receding paganism on the other.
Toby Mundy, publisher of Atlantic Books, commented: "We are tremendously pleased to have become this book’s UK publisher and grateful to the IPAF for their support. Youssef Ziedan has created a piece of world literature and the prospect of publishing it on the Atlantic Books list is a thrilling one." Azazel is currently being translated by Jonathan Wright and will go on sale next spring. Atlantic Books is publisher of Aravind Adiga’s recent Man Booker Prize winning novel "The White Tiger" and much other recent prestigious literary fiction.
Several novels reaching the IPAF shortlist this year have also been taken up by international translators and publishers. These include: "The Scents of Marie-Claire" (English, Italian, French and German rights); "The American Granddaughter" (just published in English) and "Hunger" (now published in English, with French and German rights).
Joumana Haddad, IPAF Administrator commented: "The great range and diversity of Arabic literature deserves not only wide support in the Arab World but also the largest possible audience worldwide. Translation is thus a key element in the process." Dr Salwa Makdidi, Head of Arts ’&’ Culture at the Emirates Foundation added: "It is inspiring to see the IPAF winner and shortlisted authors published in other leading international languages. This action meets a key aim for this prize, by increasing global readership of Arabic literature." Meanwhile, "Sunset Oasis" - the 2008 IPAF winner - was published in the UK by Sceptre, an imprint of Hodder ’&’ Stoughton, on September 3 2009. The novel was translated from the Arabic by Humphrey Davies, following generous funding from the Sigrid Rausing Trust.
The Longlist for the 2010 IPAF award will be announced on November 17 this year, and the Shortlist on December 15 - with the announcement of the winner taking place in Abu Dhabi on March 2, 2010.
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