Royal Society of Literature names Elif Shafak as new president

The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has named Elif Shafak as its new president, taking over from Bernandine Evaristo.

Evaristo’s four-year term came to its end at the RSL’s Annual General Meeting on 4th December. The president is a figurehead for the RSL, elected from the fellowship to serve a term of four years. The president acts as an ambassador for the society and its overall mission – the advancement of literature – but does not serve as a trustee of the council.

Shafak is an award-winning British-Turkish novelist and storyteller, and author of 21 books, 13 of which are novels. Her works have been translated into 58 languages. She holds a PhD in political science and she has taught at various universities in Turkey, the US and the UK, including St Anne’s College, Oxford University, where she is an honorary fellow. She also holds an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bard College. Shafak is a fellow and a vice-president of the RSL and has been chosen among BBC’s 100 most-inspiring and influential women.

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."

Evaristo said: "Elif Shafak is a terrifically inspired choice as the next president of the RSL. A global bestseller with a renowned reputation as a writer, intellectual and public speaker, she is a longstanding advocate for literature and the power of storytelling to bridge differences and illuminate multiple perspectives. Generous and compassionate, wise and simply brilliant, her appointment marks an exciting moment for the society. I think it’s wonderful that she will be the new figurehead for the society and I wish her all the very best for the next four years ahead."

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".