Albanian-American author nominated for 2025 Booker Prize

Albanian-American writer Ledia Xhoga has made the longlist for the prestigious 2025 Booker Prize with her debut novel Keqinterpretimi (Misinterpretation).

The novel, set in modern-day New York, follows a reluctant Albanian translator who is asked to interpret therapy sessions for Alfred, a survivor of torture from Kosovo. Critics have praised the book, published by Daunt Books Originals, for its emotional depth and sensitive exploration of trauma, memory, identity, and language.

Xhoga’s nomination is a milestone for Albanian literature on the international stage, as her book is one of only two debut novels competing for the $67,000 prize this year.

The Booker jury will announce the shortlist of six finalists on September 23, 2025, with the winner revealed on November 10 during a ceremony in London.