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Elif Shafak Appointed President of Royal Society of Literature

12/8/2025

Summary

Story summary

Elif Shafak, the British-Turkish novelist, has been appointed president of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL), succeeding Bernardine Evaristo.
Shafak expressed gratitude for the role and emphasized fellowship in the arts.
Bernardine Evaristo praised Shafak as an inspired choice, noting her global reputation and nominations for 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World.
Shafak has served as vice-president since 2020 and is known for The Island of Missing Trees.

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Story summary

Elif Shafak, the British-Turkish novelist, has been appointed president of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL), succeeding Bernardine Evaristo.
Shafak expressed gratitude for the role and emphasized fellowship in the arts.
Bernardine Evaristo praised Shafak as an inspired choice, noting her global reputation and nominations for 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World.
Shafak has served as vice-president since 2020 and is known for The Island of Missing Trees.