Rabih Alameddine Wins Prestigious 2025 National Book Award for Fiction

Author Rabih Alameddine has won the 2025 National Book Award for Fiction. His winning novel is titled “The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother).” The prestigious literary prize was announced at a ceremony in New York on November 19.

This victory marks a significant milestone in Alameddine’s celebrated career. The novel is a darkly comic family saga set against decades of Lebanese history.

A Triumph Over Stiff Competition

Alameddine’s novel triumphed over four other shortlisted works. The judges, appointed by the National Book Foundation, unanimously selected his book. According to Reuters, the panel praised the novel’s profound emotional depth and narrative ambition.

The story spans six decades of Lebanese history. It follows a gay philosophy professor named Raja. He grapples with his complex relationship with his mother and his homeland.

The book has garnered critical acclaim since its September release. Publishers Weekly called it “a ravishing performance.” It has also resonated strongly with readers on platforms like Goodreads.

Alameddine’s Established Literary Career

Rabih Alameddine is no stranger to literary accolades. He previously won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 2022 for “The Wrong End of the Telescope.” His body of work often explores LGBTQ+ themes and the Middle Eastern experience.

Born in Amman, Jordan, to Lebanese parents, Alameddine’s background is international. He was raised in Kuwait and Lebanon before studying in England and the United States. He now teaches creative writing at Georgetown University.

His earlier novels, including “The Hakawati” and “An Unnecessary Woman,” received widespread critical praise. This National Book Award solidifies his position as a leading voice in contemporary literature.

The win brings a $10,000 prize and significant industry recognition. It often leads to a substantial surge in book sales and readership for the author.

The Broader Impact on Literary Culture

The 2025 National Book Awards ceremony was notable for its political undercurrents. Several winners, including Alameddine, addressed global conflicts in their acceptance speeches. This reflects a growing trend of authors using literary platforms for social commentary.

Alameddine’s win is a victory for diverse narratives in American publishing. His work centers Lebanese and LGBTQ+ experiences, bringing them to a wider audience. This recognition challenges traditional literary canons.

The award will likely increase visibility for other writers from similar backgrounds. It signals to publishers that stories with international and complex themes have a substantial audience. The literary community has largely celebrated the selection.

Rabih Alameddine’s 2025 National Book Award win confirms his status as a vital literary voice. His novel offers a powerful exploration of identity that resonates deeply in today’s world.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the National Book Award?

The National Book Award is one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the United States. It recognizes outstanding literary work by American authors across several categories. Winners receive a $10,000 prize and a bronze sculpture.

What is Rabih Alameddine’s new book about?

“The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother)” is a family saga spanning six decades in Lebanon. It follows a gay philosophy teacher confronting his past and his relationship with his mother. The novel blends dark comedy with historical and political commentary.

Has Alameddine won other major awards?

Yes, he previously won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction in 2022. He has also been a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. His work has been shortlisted for numerous other international literary prizes.

How does this award affect an author’s career?

Winning a National Book Award typically leads to a significant increase in book sales. It also brings immense prestige and greater recognition within the literary world. The win often secures an author’s long-term legacy and readership.

Who were the other 2025 National Book Award winners?

Omar El Akkad won for Nonfiction with “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.” Patricia Smith won for Poetry with “The Intentions of Thunder.” Gabriela Cabezón Cámara won for Translated Literature.