Palestinian author Yasmin Zaher has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel, The Coin. The prize, regarded as the world’s largest and most esteemed literary award for writers aged 39 and under, was presented at a ceremony held in Swansea on May 15.
The Coin, which was released in paperback on May 1, 2025, was the unanimous choice of the judging panel. The novel draws heavily on Zaher’s personal experiences, exploring profound themes of identity, heritage, trauma, and grief with a blend of poetic intensity and moments of humor.
Namita Gokhale, chair of the judging panel, praised Zaher’s work, stating, “The judging panel was unanimous in selecting Yasmin Zaher as the winner. Her writing brings complexity and intensity through elegant and concise prose. The Coin is a borderless novel that tackles difficult themes with boldness, quirkiness, and electric energy.”
Zaher received a £20,000 prize for her achievement. The Dylan Thomas Prize celebrates exceptional literary talent globally and has previously honoured acclaimed authors such as Caleb Azumah Nelson, Patricia Lockwood, and Max Porter.
The 2025 shortlist also featured notable works including Rapture’s Road by Seán Hewitt, Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon, The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden, I Will Crash by Rebecca Watson, and Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good by Eley Williams.
The panel of judges comprised Namita Gokhale, Professor Daniel Williams, Jan Carson, Mary Jean Chan, and Max Liu.
