Picture a Malaysian storyteller weaving tales that pulse with culture, history, and heart—meet Hanna Alkaf! This critically acclaimed author has taken the young adult and middle-grade literary world by storm, crafting unapologetically Malaysian stories that resonate globally. From the gripping historical drama of The Weight of Our Sky to the haunting folklore of The Girl and the Ghost, Alkaf’s work dances between raw emotion and vibrant heritage, making her a standout voice in contemporary literature.
Born in 1985, Hanna Alkaf’s journey from journalist to bestselling novelist is as inspiring as her stories. With a knack for tackling tough topics like mental health and historical trauma, she’s not just writing books—she’s sparking conversations and celebrating Malaysian identity on an international stage.
The Making of Hanna Alkaf
Hanna Alkaf grew up in Malaysia, soaking in the rich tapestry of its multicultural society. After earning a journalism degree from Northwestern University, she spent six years in Chicago honing her craft as a writer. Back in Kuala Lumpur, she juggled roles as a copywriter, senior writer for Marie Claire Malaysia, and communications manager for Teach For Malaysia. Her diverse career—spanning press releases to investigative features—sharpened her storytelling skills. But it was her return to fiction, a passion dormant since her teens, that truly set her path ablaze. Inspired by her Malaysian roots and a desire to represent her culture authentically, Alkaf began crafting stories that refuse to italicize or over-explain her heritage.
Hanna Alkaf’s Unforgettable Stories
Alkaf’s debut, The Weight of Our Sky (2019), is a gut-punch of a novel. Set during the 1969 Kuala Lumpur race riots, it follows Melati, a teen with OCD, as she navigates chaos and personal demons (manifested as a djinn) to reunite with her mother. The book won the Freeman Award for Young Adult/High School Literature and was adapted into a Webtoon comic, cementing Alkaf’s literary prowess. Her middle-grade debut, The Girl and the Ghost (2020), a Kirkus Prize finalist, reimagines a Malaysian pelesit folktale, blending spooky charm with themes of friendship and jealousy.
Queen of the Tiles (2022) dives into the high-stakes world of competitive Scrabble, where Najwa unravels her friend’s mysterious death. Alkaf’s latest, The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s (2024), tackles grooming and manipulation with unflinching honesty. Her style—lyrical, immersive, and fiercely Malaysian—avoids Western gazes, using local terms naturally and weaving folklore with modern struggles. Whether exploring mental health or cultural identity, Alkaf’s stories are both universal and deeply specific.
Why Hanna Alkaf Matters
Hanna Alkaf’s impact lies in her fearless authenticity. By centering Malaysian voices, she challenges the publishing industry’s tendency to exoticize non-Western narratives. Her books resonate with readers seeking representation, while her awards and Oprah Book Club nods amplify her global reach. Alkaf’s #KitaJagaKita movement, sparked during Malaysia’s 2020 lockdown, showcased her commitment to community, rallying aid for those in need. As a Muslim author, she also champions Southeast Asian and Muslim writers, fostering inclusivity in literature.
Her work inspires young writers to embrace their roots without apology, proving that local stories can captivate the world. Alkaf’s growing bibliography continues to redefine young adult and middle-grade fiction, making her a cultural force to watch.
- Born: 1985, Malaysia
- Key Works: The Weight of Our Sky, The Girl and the Ghost, Queen of the Tiles, The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s
- Awards: Freeman Award (2019), Kirkus Prize Finalist (2020)
- Fun Fact: She dreams of The Girl and the Ghost as a Studio Ghibli-style animated film!
Ready to dive into Hanna Alkaf’s vibrant world? Grab The Weight of Our Sky and get lost in her unapologetically Malaysian storytelling!