Writer’s Foundry Alumnus’ Debut Novel Highlighted by Buzzfeed News

January 30, 2020 BK

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – January 30, 2020 - The Writer’s Foundry at St. Joseph’s College (SJC) is pleased to announce that Tariq Shah, M.F.A. ’19 had his debut novel, Whiteout Conditions, selected as one of Buzzfeed News’ most highly anticipated books of 2020.

“Tariq Shah’s debut novel is just the beginning of a fascinating literary career,” said Lee Clay Johnson, program director of The Writer’s Foundry at SJC. “Working with Tariq was a wonderful experience; he was such an interesting student--quiet in class, yet loud on the page. The talent was already there so I'm not surprised to see Whiteout Conditions doing so well.” 

Shah’s Whiteout Conditions follows Ant, who is in Chicago for a funeral. Since most of his family has passed away, he finds himself attracted to the endearing qualities of funerals until the tragic death of his childhood friend. With a poet’s sensibility, Shah navigates the murky responsibilities of adulthood, grief, toxic masculinity and the tragedy of revenge in this haunting Midwestern noir.

For more information about The Writer’s Foundry, visit sjcny.edu/mfa or call 718.940.5317.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE
St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. Through SJC Brooklyn, SJC Long Island and SJC Online, the College offers degrees in 50 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs.