Overview
- Shafak said she felt "very touched and humbled" by the result and framed her presidency around fellowship understood as companionship, solidarity and togetherness.
- She signaled a consultative start, pledging to first listen to writers and poets to gather their ideas for the society's direction.
- Outgoing president Bernardine Evaristo praised the choice as "terrifically inspired" and highlighted Shafak's advocacy for literature's power to bridge differences.
- Shafak has served as an RSL vice-president since 2020 and is the author of 21 books, with translations into 58 languages.
- Coverage notes she takes the helm after a turbulent period at the RSL that included a 2024 referral to the Charity Commission and senior leadership departures in early 2025.