Elif Shafak is a British-Turkish author and one of the most prominent contemporary writers in the world. She was born on October 25, 1971, in France but spent her early years in Turkey. Shafak writes in both English and Turkish and is known for her thought-provoking novels that explore complex themes such as identity, multiculturalism, gender, and the human experience. Elif Shafak's writing is known for its rich storytelling, deep character development, and exploration of cultural and social issues. She has received numerous awards and nominations for her work, and she is considered a prominent voice in contemporary literature. Additionally, she is an advocate for free speech and human rights and often speaks out on these issues.
Elif Batuman is a Turkish-American writer and journalist. She was born on June 29, 1977, in New York City, USA. Batuman is best known for her works of fiction and non-fiction. Her novel The Idiot was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2018. She has written for publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times.