Writers are refusing PEN America award in protest of its position on Gaza

PEN America’s response to Israel’s invasion of Gaza, following the deadly Oct 7 attack by Hamas, has been widely criticised by writers who believe the organisation has failed to fully condemn the war. Photo: AFP

Several authors have turned down awards and awards nominations from PEN America, citing unhappiness with the literary and free expression organisation's stance on the war in Gaza.

This week, PEN America announced its long lists in categories ranging from the US$75,000 Jean Stein Award for best book to the US$10,000 PEN/Hemingway award for first novel. Authors who have asked for their names to be withdrawn include Jean Stein nominee Camonghne Felix, poetry finalist Eugenia Leigh and short story nominee Ghassan Zeineddine.