Pakistani-American author's book wins the 2005 Norumbega Fiction Award

Beyond the Cayenne Wall, a collection of short stories by Pakistani-American author Shaila Abdullah received the Jury Prize for Outstanding Fiction in the 2005 Norumbega Fiction Awards. It is an annual literary competition open to American and Canadian writers who have completed a work of fiction since 2003. The book was released in October 2005. It is available on both Amazon and Barnes and Nobles websites.

In the wake of recent political events, there is a widespread interest among the general public today to gain an insight into the lives and culture of Muslims all around the globe. This new genre of literature resonating with the cultural voice has won much acclaim in the book industry, according to Aileen Jacobson of Newsday (July, 2005).

In Beyond the Cayenne Wall, Abdullah explores the lives of contemporary Pakistani women struggling to find their individualities despite the barriers imposed by society. Abdullah weaves together a fine collection of events that spin around betrayals, confessions, lost opportunities, misunderstandings, revenge, acceptance, and denial, shaken in with exotic spices and flavors that result in a treat for the senses.

About Shaila Abdullah:

Abdullah has been writing for Dallas Child, About Families, Sulekha,Women's Own, Fashion Collection, and other publications since 1993. Her creative work focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistani women and their often unconventional choices in life. She is a member of the Texas Writers' League and lives in Austin, Texas.