Yumna Kassab is a writer from Western Sydney. She studied medical science and neuroscience at university. Her first book of short stories, The House of Youssef, has been listed for prizes including the Victorian Premier's Literary Award, Queensland Literary Award, NSW Premier's Literary Award and The Stella Prize. Her second work of fiction, Australiana, was published in 2022.
‘her writing is poetic and reverential. The author’s understanding of love, romance and of responsibility runs deep.’ * Books + Publishing * ‘Sometimes, Kassab shows us, love can be another word for cruelty. Sometimes the stories we hide behind reveal our deepest truths.’ * Sydney Morning Herald * ‘a raw, haunting and honest look at love, relationships, and the moments that break us.’ * Mamamia * ‘The delicate power that fables hold – their universality, while retaining their specificity – is captured in The Lovers. Ultimately, Kassab’s novel rests on the premise of the ‘impossibility of language, of being able to ever understand someone else.’’ * Artshub * ‘Beautifully told in Yumna Kassab's poetic prose, The Lovers is both the story of the tumultuous relationship between Amir and Jamila and an exploration of class, culture and the complex nature of love.’ * Sunday Life *