Susan Muaddi Darraj

Susan Muaddi Darraj is an award-winning Palestinian American author whose works explore themes of heritage, identity, and the immigrant experience. She garnered critical acclaim for her novel-in-stories, "A Curious Land: Stories from Home", which won the 2016 American Book Award and the AWP Grace Paley Prize for Short Fiction. Her latest novel, "Behind You Is the Sea" (HarperCollins, 2024), delves into the lives of a Palestinian American community in Baltimore. Darraj also made literary history with her children's chapter book series, "Farah Rocks", the first to feature an Arab American protagonist.

Beyond her writing, Darraj is deeply involved in education and literary curation. She teaches creative writing at Johns Hopkins University and Harford Community College while serving as editor of "The Baltimore Review". Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including a USA Ford Fellowship and awards from the Maryland State Arts Council. A Philadelphia native, Darraj draws inspiration from her Palestinian heritage and upbringing, enriching her narratives with cultural authenticity. She continues to reside in Baltimore, where she remains an influential voice in contemporary literature.