Parul Kapur’s debut novel, ‘Inside the Mirror,’ has won the prestigious $25,000 Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award, highlighting her emerging voice in contemporary literature.
NEW YORK, NY – In a year filled with remarkable literary debuts, Parul Kapur’s novel, ‘Inside the Mirror,’ has distinguished itself by winning the Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award. This accolade not only recognizes Kapur’s talent but also positions her among a growing cadre of writers to watch in the literary world.
The award was announced in Interlochen, Michigan, and comes with a $25,000 cash prize along with a writer-in-residence appointment at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a renowned institution known for fostering creative talent.
Kapur, who was born in Assam and raised in the United States, infuses her fiction with a transnational perspective that resonates throughout her work. ‘Inside the Mirror,’ published in March 2024 by the University of Nebraska Press, is set against the backdrop of Bombay in the 1950s—a decade marked by both optimism and upheaval in the wake of Indian Independence.
The narrative centers on twin sisters who are bound by family and tradition yet pursue different artistic paths: one is drawn to painting, while the other is passionate about classical dance. As the sisters navigate their ambitions and the constraints imposed on women in a rapidly changing society, the novel explores themes of loyalty and the quest for creative freedom.
The historical context of the novel has played a significant role in its acclaim. Eric Blackburn, chair of the selection committee for the Pattis Family Foundation award, noted that the judges were particularly impressed by the book’s adept handling of its historical setting and its emphasis on the importance of artistic expression for individuals, communities, and nations alike.
‘Inside the Mirror’ has garnered positive critical reception, earning starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Booklist. The Atlanta Journal Constitution commended the novel for its rich character development and its sensitivity to the evolving cultural landscape of post-Independence India.
As part of her award, Kapur will serve as a writer-in-residence at the Interlochen Arts Academy for three days in April 2026. Interlochen President Trey Devey emphasized that the residency provides young writers and artists with a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of creative ideas into polished literary works—a journey that Kapur has successfully navigated herself.
Kapur holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University and currently resides in Atlanta. Her recognition through the Pattis Family Foundation award marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning literary career, promising to further elevate her profile in the literary community.
According to India West, Kapur’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and illuminating the complexities of identity and artistic expression.