Isleworth Councillor's Debut Novel Up for Award
Salman Shaheen's Freebourne finalist for international literary prize
Salman Shaheen gives a reading from his novel at the Hewson's book shop in Kew
June 19, 2026
Isleworth ward councillor, journalist and novelist Salman Shaheen has seen his debut novel Freebourne shortlisted as a finalist for the International Book Awards 2026.
The awards, now in their 17th year, attract thousands of entries from authors and publishers across the globe. Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of American Book Fest, said this year’s submissions came from major international publishing houses including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, Bloomsbury Academic, Princeton University Press and Lonely Planet, alongside hundreds of independent presses.
Finalists join an illustrious list of past honourees, among them Pope Francis, George Saunders, Vanessa Williams, Anne Geddes, Daymond John and Booker-nominated writers.
Freebourne , published by Roundfire Books, launched last October at ANIMA in Brentford in partnership with Hewson Books. It made an immediate impact, debuting at #54 in Amazon’s Hot New Releases and #12 among new thrillers, and earning praise from figures including broadcaster Nick Ferrari, Cobra beer founder Lord Bilimoria, BAFTA-winning director Sarah Gavron, TV presenter Daisy Donovan, Booker-shortlisted author Trezza Azzopardi, and MPs Ruth Cadbury and Seema Malhotra.
Set in a near-future English town, the novel blends murder mystery with speculative fiction, exploring questions of free will, technology and the limits of human agency. Its protagonist, Dr Harry Coulson, arrives in the town of Freebourne seeking a fresh start after personal and professional collapse, only to stumble upon a young woman’s body in the snow — an encounter that draws him into a dangerous web of suspicion, science and faith.
Cllr Shaheen said he was “over the moon” at the recognition.
“All those hours writing it, fully dispensing of the midnight oil by 4am, you wonder if it’s worth it, if anyone is ever going to read it or take any notice or engage with the deeper themes of this cautionary tale about where technology is taking us,” he said. “But this recognition for my debut novel makes it all worth it. I suppose I’d best get on and write the next one!”
Alongside his writing career, Cllr Shaheen serves as Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm on Hounslow Council. His journalism has appeared in the Guardian, New Statesman, New Internationalist and Times of India, and his investigations into corporate tax avoidance have made front-page news in the Observer.
Salman Shaheen and the cover of his new book
He has also led several high-profile local and national campaigns, including the successful fight to save Park Road Allotments from development, and the launch of Grow for the Future, the UK’s first policy to transform unused land into food-growing spaces for children in deprived areas — a scheme later backed by the UK government, the GLA and actor Jim Carter OBE. He also partnered with Jamie Oliver to introduce the chef’s first food-education programme aimed directly at primary schools.
Born in Norwich in 1984, Cllr Shaheen studied Social and Political Sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge, graduating with a Double First, before completing an MA in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia. He now lives in Brentford and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Freebourne is available to purchase online for £9.31.
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