Sofia Samatar

Sofia Samatar is an American author known for her works of fiction and nonfiction. Her critically acclaimed memoir, "The White Mosque," was a PEN/Jean Stein Award finalist and won the Bernard J. Brommel Award for Biography and Memoir. She has also authored the novels "A Stranger in Olondria" and "The Winged Histories," the short story collection "Tender," and "Monster Portraits," a collaborative work with her brother, artist Del Samatar.

Samatar's writing spans multiple genres, including speculative fiction, fantasy, and literary memoir. Her works have earned her prestigious accolades such as the William L. Crawford Award, the Astounding Award, the British Fantasy Award, and the World Fantasy Award. In addition to her writing career, she teaches Arabic literature, African literature, and speculative fiction at James Madison University. Her storytelling often explores themes of identity, history, and cultural intersection.