Aminta Dupuis Wins the Inaugural Iskanchi Book Prize

We are thrilled to announce that Aminta Dupuis's debut novel, The Child from Dindefello Falls, has won the inaugural Iskanchi Book Prize. The announcement was made via Zoom, featuring our outstanding shortlisted writers, who read excerpts from their manuscripts. It was inspiring to witness these talented authors read from their exceptional work. Choosing a winner was especially challenging given the remarkable quality of the shortlisted entries, but ultimately, we had to pick one winner.

The Iskanchi Book Prize celebrates outstanding African literature and is proud to highlight Dupuis’s unique voice in contemporary storytelling. Aminta Dupuis, a literature professor, poet, and musician, has woven a narrative that captures the essence of African culture and resilience. Inspired by her profound admiration for the African continent and her commitment to social justice, Dupuis brings to life the story of Sonlio, a young Senegalese boy who embarks on a journey of discovery after the mysterious death of his mother. Accompanied by Sun-Hué, a spirited Chinese girl, Sonlio's adventures reveal both the beauty and challenges of Africa.

Originally published in French by L’Harmattan in 2021, The Child from Dindefello Falls has been translated into English by Marybeth Timmermann, an ATA-certified translator and contributing translator and editor for the Beauvoir Series at the University of Illinois Press.

The Iskanchi Book Prize, established by Iskanchi Press, aims to honor exceptional works by African writers and promote authentic African perspectives to a global audience. The prize includes a $1,500 award and the publication of the winning manuscript, with Dupuis’s novel scheduled for release in Fall 2025. By celebrating authors like Dupuis, we aim to challenge negative stereotypes and provide readers with a deeper appreciation of African cultures and histories.

Aminta Dupuis’s novel stands out not just for its literary merit but also for its ability to inspire and educate. The narrative, while deeply rooted in African realities, carries universal themes of resilience, justice, environment conservation and the transformative power of human connections. As readers follow Sonlio’s journey, they are invited to reflect on their own perceptions and the broader human condition.

Congratulations to Aminta Dupuis on this remarkable achievement. For more information about the Iskanchi Book Prize and Iskanchi Press’s ongoing efforts to promote African literature.

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