Banu Mushtaq and Paul Lynch are Coming to the 2025 Sharjah Book Fair

The 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to welcome two acclaimed literary figures — Paul Lynch and Banu Mushtaq — both recent winners of the Booker Prize and International Booker Prize, respectively.

Their appearances mark some of the most anticipated sessions at this year’s event, celebrating storytelling, identity, and resilience through global and regional literary voices.

Irish author Paul Lynch, winner of the 2023 Booker Prize for his powerful novel Prophet Song, will take the stage on November 8 for a session titled “Fiction, Freedom, and Fear.” The talk will explore the themes of his award-winning novel, which delves into a society in crisis and reflects on the role of literature in turbulent times. Lynch will also discuss how fiction fosters empathy and gives voice to the human experience in moments of chaos and change. The event will take place at Forum 1 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, followed by a book signing session with the author.

Meanwhile, acclaimed Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq, whose short story collection Heart Lamp earned the 2025 International Booker Prize, will host two engaging sessions at the fair.

On November 15, she will present “Women’s Lives, Identity, and Resistance,” an in-depth discussion on how her stories explore themes of faith, identity, and defiance through the voices of women in southern India. The event will be held at Forum 1 from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

The following day, November 16, Mushtaq will lead an intimate book club session titled “Inside Heart Lamp: A Book Club Evening with Banu Mushtaq”. Taking place at Forum 2 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, this interactive discussion will allow participants to engage directly with the author, share reflections, and gain insight into her creative process. The session will conclude with a book signing opportunity, making it a must-attend event for literary enthusiasts.

Both authors’ sessions are free to attend but require prior booking, with a capacity of 30 participants each — ensuring a personal and immersive experience for attendees.

The Sharjah International Book Fair continues to be one of the world’s largest and most celebrated literary gatherings, fostering dialogue between global authors and readers. With Paul Lynch and Banu Mushtaq headlining this year’s program, SIBF 2025 reaffirms its commitment to bringing powerful voices and thought-provoking storytelling to the heart of the Arab literary scene.