Sara M Saleh was named a joint winner of the 2024 Barbara Jefferis Award on Wednesday 13 November 2024, hosted by the Australian Society of Authors, for her novel, “Songs for the Dead and the Living”. She is sharing the $50,000 prize with Lucy Treloar, who was recognised for her novel “Days of Innocence and Wonder”.
“Songs for the Dead and the Living”, a multigenerational novel by poet Sara Saleh, explores themes of war, family, and resilience, highlighting the enduring impact of her storytelling.
Upon winning the award, Sara offered smiles around the room by saying, “I can assure you that ChatGPT did not write this,” later on expressing her gratitude, “It is a privilege to have published this novel in a world that so often seeks to silence us, correct us, erase us; a joy”
The judges, led by Hannah Kent, praised both novels for their vivid prose and emotional depth, focusing on strong female protagonists reclaiming identity amidst loss and adversity. Given the outstanding calibre of both pieces, this is only the second time the prize has ever been shared in the award’s history.
The Australian Society of Authors, the Trustee of the Barbara Jefferis Literary Fund, celebrates literature that empowers women and girls and portrays them positively.
The Barbara Jefferis Award, established in 2007, is presented biennially and continues to champion literature that uplifts women’s voices. This year’s winners were announced at the 2024 Colin Simpson Memorial Keynote in Sydney, marking a significant moment in the Australian literary world.
In an interview with Sara Saleh, she stated that, “It took me a long time to remember the fact that I come from a rich, long lineage of storytelling, to reconnect with that, and to give myself permission to go after that dream of becoming a writer.”
Sara has conducted workshops and collaborated on the Muslim Poetry Project, showcasing her skills in storytelling and arts, and has received numerous awards and fellowships.
Sara Saleh’s “Songs for the Dead and the Living” profoundly impacts society by weaving an intricate narrative of intergenerational resilience, challenging societal norms, amplifying marginalized voices, and fostering empathy for displaced communities navigating identity and belonging amidst global and personal struggles.
Sara is a writer, human rights law expert, organiser, and the daughter of migrants from Palestine, Egypt, and Lebanon. Her words have been showcased at exhibitions and festivals from St Andrews to Bangalore and have lit up the walls of The Rocks and the Opera House, and she has appeared alongside alongside some of the biggest names in contemporary literature and arts.
Saleh’s novel joins the ranks of past winners, further cementing her reputation as a vital voice in contemporary Australian literature.
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