Her writing has resonated with a wide audience.
Former journalist and author Halima Khatun has secured a coveted spot as a finalist for the Bookbrunch Selfies Best Adult Fiction 2025 award.
Her novel, The Secret Diary of a Bengali Mum, has been recognised in the prestigious competition, which honours the best self-published authors in the UK.
The winners will be announced next month at the London Book Fair 2025.
The Bookbrunch Selfies, now in their seventh year, celebrate excellence in self-publishing across three categories: adult fiction, adult general non-fiction, and children’s literature.
Powered by UK book trade journal BookBrunch and supported by Ingram Spark, Nielsen BookData, and LitPR, the awards spotlight the growing influence of self-published books in the UK’s literary scene.
This recognition not only highlights the increasing popularity of self-publishing but also gives independent authors a platform to showcase their work alongside traditionally published titles.
Halima Khatun, a former ITV and BBC journalist, has built an impressive writing career that spans journalism, blogging, and novel writing.
With bylines in publications such as HuffPost, Yahoo! Style, the Express, and Metro, she has made a name for herself as a storyteller who blends humour, cultural insight, and relatable narratives.
Her writing has resonated with a wide audience, particularly those from South Asian backgrounds who see their own experiences reflected in her work.
Her ‘Brown Bridget Jones’ series—comprised of titles like The Secret Diary of an Arranged Marriage, The Secret Diary of a Bengali Bridezilla, The Secret Diary of a Bengali Newlywed, and now The Secret Diary of a Bengali Mum—has struck a chord with readers, offering a witty and heartfelt look into modern South Asian life.
The books navigate themes of love, family, and cultural expectations with warmth and authenticity, making them a must-read for fans of contemporary women’s fiction.
Speaking about her shortlisting, Halima Khatun expressed excitement not only for her own recognition but also for the increasing presence of South Asian fiction in mainstream literary awards.
She hopes that her nomination will highlight the importance of diverse storytelling and encourage more authors from underrepresented backgrounds to take space in the publishing industry.
The London Book Fair 2025 will take place in March, where the winners of the Bookbrunch Selfies Awards will be announced.
Readers can explore more of Halima Khatun’s work at halimakhatun.co.uk and her lifestyle blog halimabobs.com.
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