How 'Oroppa' Became the First Debut Novel to Win the Libris Literature Prize

Literature Prize: The jury is “overwhelmed by the stylistic brilliance” of Safae el Khannoussi’s debut. Earlier this spring, she won the Boon, the Flemish…

Safae el Khannoussi can't believe she won the Libris Literature Prize on Monday night. The writer, who previously won the Flemish literature prize De Boon, is the first debuting novelist to win the prize. "I think I can retire," she responded with a laugh during the award ceremony at Felix Meritis in Amsterdam.

Dutch writer Safae el Khanoussi (31) has won the Libris Literature Prize 2025 with her debut novel ‘Oroppa’. The jury announced this on Monday evening. Earlier this year, the Moroccan-born debutante also won the Boon Literature Prize.