The award-winning British-Turkish novelist and storyteller Elif Shafak has been named as the new president of the UK’s Royal Society of Literature (RSL), taking over from Bernadine Evaristo. The president acts as an ambassador for the society and its overall mission which is the advancement of literature.
The RSL was founded in 1820 and promotes the value of literature, as well as honouring and supporting emerging and established writers “while creating a bridge between authors and audiences to engage as many people as possible with the breadth of UK literature”.
Shafak said: “I am deeply honoured and excited to become the new president of the RSL – a much-loved cultural and literary institution with over 200 years of history and tradition, supporting writers, poets, playwrights, literary critics, librarians, translators and readers of all backgrounds. In an increasingly turbulent and harsh world where many in the industry feel lonely, and where there are too many challenges against writers, poets and all those who have dedicated their lives to the written word, we must regard this as a much-needed sanctuary, an oasis, a space of togetherness, empathy, inspiration and creativity. I sincerely look forward to working closely with everyone to build bridges and spread the love of literature.”