Inspired by Christy’s own work with refugees, The Beekeeper of Aleppo helped us to understand this complex conflict and what it has done to the human spirit, putting us in the shoes of the people who take enormous risks every day in the hope of a better life. As Heather Morris, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz said, ‘A beautifully crafted novel of international significance that has the capacity to have us open our eyes and see.’ Sold into over thirty territories, the novel has now been awarded this prestigious literary prize ‘for an influential work of fiction that illuminates a vital contemporary issue’. Indeed, poet and British national treasure Benjamin Zephaniah said, ‘This novel speaks to so much that is happening in the world today. It’s intelligent, thoughtful and relevant, but very importantly, it is accessible. I’m recommending this book to everyone I care about.’ In winning the prize, Christy joins an illustrious cast of former winners, including Mohsin Hamid and Tayari Jones.