Palestinian author Yasmin Zaher has been awarded the 2025 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel, The Coin. The prize, which is considered the world's largest for young writers, was given to Zaher in a unanimous decision by the judging panel.
Namita Gokhale, Chair of Judges, stated: “Whittling our exceptional longlist of 12 down to six brilliant books, and then again to just one, was not an easy exercise – yet the judging panel was unanimous in their decision to name debut novelist Yasmin Zaher as the winner of the 2025 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize. Zaher brings complexity and intensity to the page through her elegantly concise writing: The Coin is a borderless novel, tackling trauma and grief with bold and poetic moments of quirkiness and humour. It fizzes with electric energy. Yasmin Zaher is an extraordinary winner to mark twenty years of this vital prize.”
The award ceremony took place on May 15 in Swansea where Zaher received a £20,000 prize. Her book explores themes of identity and heritage through personal experiences, delving into topics such as nature versus civilization and class versus belonging.
In her acceptance speech, Zaher remarked: “Thank you to everyone behind this very special prize – I am honoured. Today – 15 May – Palestinians commemorate 77 years of the ongoing Nakba, so whilst this is a very happy day for me, it is a painful day for my people. I dedicate this prize to the people of Gaza. To their undefeatable spirit, especially to the writers and poets there who have humbled and inspired beyond measure, and who in the face of genocide and helplessness continue to write, and exercise their will and humanity. I am humbled and honoured.”
Other authors shortlisted for this year's award included Seán Hewitt with Rapture's Road; Ferdia Lennon with Glorious Exploits; Yael van der Wouden with The Safekeep; Rebecca Watson with I Will Crash; and Eley Williams with Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good.
The judging panel comprised Namita Gokhale along with Professor Daniel Williams from Swansea University; Jan Carson; Mary Jean Chan; and Max Liu.