
Amidst pervasive dissatisfaction regarding its response to the Israel-Hamas war, prominent writers’ association PEN America chooses to cancel its esteemed annual awards ceremony, as multitude of contenders opt to step down from their nominations. The event, much anticipated and once brimming with literary talent, was originally slated for the approaching week.
But as the curtain rolled up at the iconic Town Hall in Manhattan, the lone spotlight fell on rows of unoccupied chairs – a stark portrait of the dissension among PEN America’s ranks. Several finalists withdrew, including Rachel Eliza Griffiths, the accomplished author poised for her debut nomination, and wife of former PEN President Salman Rushdie. Alongside her, nominees from categories as diverse as translation and poetry, stepped away, leaving the ceremony and its once coveted titles with no bearers.
“Every year, our beloved event requires immense effort and work, and it deeply saddens us to not be able to execute our well-laid out plans. However, it is unfeasible to hold such a celebration in the current climate,” expressed Suzanne Nossel, the CEO of PEN America, with an undertone of regret in a statement on Monday.
Tensions about the war have mounted nationally, evident in college campuses, political events, and even roadways—from Illinois to California—forming a grim backdrop to the awards cancellation. The war’s start in October last year has prompted much debate and difference of opinion within PEN America. Several authors, under its umbrella, take umbrage at the organization’s ostensible favoritism towards Israel, and a lack of adequate support for the Palestinian writers and journalists.
A public letter last month, seconded by celebrated authors like Naomi Klein and Lorrie Moore, recoils at PEN America’s indifference in mobilizing “any substantial coordinated support” for Palestinians and its failure in upholding its promise to repudiate hatred while fostering unity.
Addressing the criticism, PEN has claimed it has vehemently denounced the bloodshed in Gaza, advocated for a ceasefire, and also arranged an emergency fund of $100,000 for Palestinian writers. Jennifer Finney Boylan, PEN America’s President last week announced that a team was in place, reviewing the organization’s work to ensure alignment with its ethos and form a response mechanism for future conflicts.
But critics argue that the relief fund is insufficient and PEN’s endorsement of a ceasefire in March—five months post-war onset—is stark tardiness. The PEN/Jean Stein prize, earmarked for the best book of the year, and carrying a cash reward of $75,000, had seen all but one finalists withdrawing, including nominees Justin Torres and Catherine Lacey. Now the cash reward is set to be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Camille T. Dungy, a finalist for her work “Soil”, was the only one who didn’t withdraw. On Monday, PEN announced a selection of winners, including Javier Fuentes for his debut novel”Countries of Origin.” Moreover, PEN has conferred several honorary awards, with Tony Kushner bagging the PEN/Mike Nichols Writing for Performance Award.
Calls for the resignation of Nossel and other top officials have resonated through the literary community, as authors insist the organization needs new leadership and a fresh era of values and beliefs. A spokesperson for PEN later mentioned there were no plans in motion for the resignations, leaving a question mark over the future of the organization.
PEN’s other flagship spring events – the “World Voices” festivals in New York and Los Angeles; and the gala at the American Museum of Natural History, stand undaunted. However, with authors like Klein and Moore eschewing the World Voices festival, a shadow of uncertainty looms. Even as the literary giants invite the community to come together in solidarity during these dire straits, the question arises – In the face of discord, can readers and writers truly unite to quest for insight and inspiration?