PEN America Literary Awards Face Renewed Backlash Amid Author Withdrawals
For the second year in a row, the PEN America Literary Awards are under scrutiny as authors continue to distance themselves from the organization in protest over its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
On Friday, PEN America released the longlists for its prestigious annual literary awards. But just hours after the announcement, two longlisted authors—Kaveh Akbar (Martyr!) and Brandon Shimoda (The Afterlife Is Letting Go)—publicly withdrew their books from consideration. Both cited solidarity with Writers Against the War on Gaza (WAWOG) and directed readers to the organization for further context.
Although Shimoda’s book did not appear on the posted longlist, Akbar’s remained listed at the time of reporting.
Activist Group Renews Boycott Call
WAWOG has continued speak out about PEN America, calling the organization’s response to the ongoing war in Gaza “tepid.” In a public statement, WAWOG reiterated its call for a boycott, urging writers to withhold their work from PEN-affiliated events and awards:
“We urge writers of conscience: refuse to allow PEN America to gild its reputation with your names.”
The group was active in organizing a similar movement last year, which ultimately led to PEN canceling its 2024 literary awards ceremony after roughly one-third of nominated authors withdrew from consideration. At the request of the Jean Stein estate, funds for the $75,000 award were redirected to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
PEN America’s Preemptive Measures Fall Short
In anticipation of further protests this year, PEN reportedly contacted publishers last fall to confirm that authors were aware of and consented to their books being submitted. In an FAQ posted on its site, PEN America stated:
“Given that some authors who were boycotting PEN America had submitted for our Grants and Awards, PEN America asked all publishers to confirm their author submissions out of respect for the authors.”
Despite their efforts, the fresh withdrawals highlight that tensions between the literary community and the organization remain unresolved.
World Voices Festival to Return Amid Tensions
The backlash even extends beyond the awards. In 2024, PEN’s World Voices Festival was canceled after several authors pulled out. PEN America still went on earlier this month to announce that the festival will return from April 30 to May 3, 2025.
Interim co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf emphasized PEN’s commitment to inclusive dialogue, stating:
“Dissent is in the DNA of this 103-year-old organization. It is essential that we embrace the challenge of holding together a diverse community committed to protecting a culture of free expression.”
A Fractured Literary Landscape
The ongoing controversy puts PEN America in a difficult position—caught between its historic mission to protect free expression and mounting criticism from writers who feel the organization is not doing enough to respond to humanitarian concerns.
With festival dates looming and tensions still simmering, the 2025 awards season may once again test how far PEN can go in maintaining unity within a deeply divided literary world.