Shokoofeh Azar is an award-winning author and journalist, best known for her novel "The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree." Born in Iran, Azar grew up during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War, experiences that have greatly influenced her writing. After facing censorship and persecution for her work in Iran, Azar sought asylum in Australia in 2011.
Azar's writing has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In 2020, she was longlisted for the National Book Awards and shortlisted for The Booker International Prize. She has also been shortlisted for The Stella Prize, The University of Queensland Fiction Book Award, and The Adelaide Writers Festival. In addition, Azar has received grants from the Australian Council for the Arts and Creative Victoria.
"The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree" is Azar's first novel to be translated into English. The book tells the story of a family living in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The novel explores themes of magic, myth, and storytelling as a means of coping with trauma and loss. Through her writing, Azar provides a unique perspective on life in Iran during a time of great upheaval and violence.
Azar's work as a journalist has also been recognized for its impact and courage. She has reported on a range of topics, including politics, social issues, and women's rights in Iran. Despite facing censorship and persecution for her writing, Azar has continued to use her voice to shed light on important issues and to advocate for change. Her writing is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.