Picture a South African storyteller who weaves tales of love, loss, and a touch of the supernatural—meet Shubnum Khan! This Durban-born author and artist has captured hearts worldwide with her evocative novels and memoirs, blending her Muslim heritage with universal themes of identity and belonging. From her debut novel to her unexpected journey as a global stock photo, Khan’s work sparkles with warmth, humor, and a knack for uncovering life’s hidden magic.
The Making of Shubnum Khan
Shubnum Khan grew up in Durban, South Africa, surrounded by the vibrant stories of her Indian Muslim community. With a degree in Media Studies and a Master’s in English from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she honed her craft early on. Her childhood, filled with tales from her grandfather, an Indian émigré, and the influence of strong women—three sisters and a mother with seven sisters—shaped her storytelling. Khan’s career began with freelance writing, her words gracing outlets like The New York Times and McSweeney’s Quarterly, setting the stage for her literary ascent.
Shubnum Khan’s Unforgettable Stories
Khan’s debut novel, Onion Tears (2011), is a poignant exploration of three Indian Muslim women navigating life’s challenges in suburban South Africa. Shortlisted for the Penguin Prize for African Writing and the University of Johannesburg Debut Fiction Prize, it showcased her ability to capture domestic life with depth and empathy. Her 2021 memoir, How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo, is a delightful recounting of her bizarre adventures as a stock photo model, reflecting her humor and cultural insights.
Her international breakthrough, The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years (2024), is a gothic masterpiece set in a crumbling Durban mansion. Alternating between the 1930s and 2014, it follows teenager Sana as she uncovers the tragic love story of Meena, haunted by a grieving djinn. Praised by The New York Times as “rich and swoony,” it earned starred reviews from Kirkus and Library Journal, cementing Khan’s reputation for lush prose and intricate narratives. Her works blend magical realism, gothic horror, and historical fiction, infused with South African Indian culture and themes of love, grief, and resilience.
Why Shubnum Khan Matters
Shubnum Khan is a trailblazer for South African Indian women in literature, building on the legacy of writers like Fatima Meer. Her stories amplify underrepresented voices, offering a window into the complexities of identity and community. By weaving her cultural heritage into universal narratives, she inspires readers—especially young women—to embrace their authentic selves. Her global acclaim, from New York to India, signals a lasting impact, with translations in Italian and Ukrainian on the horizon.
- Born: Durban, South Africa
- Key Works: Onion Tears (2011), How I Accidentally Became a Global Stock Photo (2021), The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years (2024)
- Awards: Shortlisted for Penguin Prize for African Writing, University of Johannesburg Debut Fiction Prize; Octavia Butler Fellow
Snag The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years and dive into Shubnum Khan’s hauntingly beautiful world of gothic romance and cultural richness!