Womens Prize For Fiction Winner

Home Fire

by Kamila Shamsie

Summary

Shamsie reworks the Antigone myth into the story of a British Muslim family torn apart when one brother is drawn to the Islamic State. Love, loyalty and citizenship collide as a Home Secretary's son falls for the sister of a young man the state has disowned. The novel turns an ancient tragedy into an urgent argument about belonging in modern Britain.

Historical Context & Significance

Home Fire transposes Sophocles into the era of radicalisation and stripped citizenship, winning wide acclaim for its daring.