Shahrnush Parsipur’s influential work ‘Women Without Men’ longlisted for International Booker Prize
Shahrnush Parsipur’s novel Women Without Men has been longlisted for the 2026 International Booker Prize, highlighting its enduring significance as it has recently been translated into English, reports BritPanorama.
The book, which depicts the lives of five women in 1950s Tehran resisting patriarchal oppression, was initially published in 1989 but has gained renewed attention following a global awakening regarding women’s rights and freedoms. Parsipur, now living in California after years of exile, recalls the controversial nature of her work, which resulted in her arrest and imprisonment by Iranian authorities.
Despite being banned in Iran, Women Without Men has been translated into 30 languages and has had a profound impact abroad. The narrative, infused with elements of magic realism, intertwines personal stories with the backdrop of the 1953 coup in Iran. The book’s themes resonate with the ongoing struggle for women’s rights, particularly in light of recent protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman whose arrest for improper hijab led to widespread outrage.
During a recent video call, Parsipur, now 80 and facing health challenges, expressed her intent to convey the complexities of Iranian women’s lives. “I wanted to show and present Iranian women to the world,” she stated, reflecting on the book’s journey. Although her writings remain banned at home, their message continues to inspire women globally, fostering a sense of solidarity amid the current climate of oppression in Iran.
Throughout her career, Parsipur has faced multiple incarcerations due to her outspoken views and literary contributions. “They didn’t torture me,” she shared, “but I was weighed down more and more with each day.” Her struggles have not diminished her resolve; rather, they have amplified her voice as a literary pioneer.
Reflecting on her life in exile, Parsipur acknowledges the challenges she faces but maintains a sense of gratitude towards those who have supported her journey. If awarded the International Booker Prize, she plans to share the prize money with her landlady and use the remainder for small pleasures with friends. “I enjoy it, but I nearly always lose,” she noted with a smile.
‘Women Without Men’ by Shahrnush Parsipur, translated by Faridoun Farrokh, is published by Penguin, £12.99
