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Huma Qureshi

Huma Qureshi is a British author and former journalist known for work with The Guardian and The Observer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Huma Qureshi is a British author and former journalist who wrote for The Guardian and The Observer. She has published several books spanning memoir, fiction, and short stories, and she also teaches creative writing. Her first book, In Spite of Oceans: Migrant Voices, was published in 2014.

Early career

Huma Qureshi began her career in journalism, working for major UK newspapers including The Guardian and The Observer. She is described as a former national newspaper journalist and freelance writer.

Books and writing

Qureshi's published books include In Spite of Oceans: Migrant Voices (2014), How We Met: A Memoir of Love and Other Misadventures, Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love, and Playing Games. Her work spans memoir, fiction, and short stories.

Awards and recognition

Qureshi won the John C Laurence Award for In Spite of Oceans and the 2020 Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Prize. Her books have also been shortlisted or longlisted for other literary prizes.

Teaching and public work

In addition to writing, Qureshi teaches creative writing through workshops, masterclasses, and online studies. She also appears in media interviews and literary events as a contributor and speaker.

Key facts

  • Former journalist for The Guardian and The Observer.
  • Author of books including In Spite of Oceans, How We Met, Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love, and Playing Games.
  • Winner of the John C Laurence Award and the 2020 Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Prize.
  • Teaches creative writing through workshops and online studies.
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Canadian context

Her work is relevant to Canadian readers interested in South Asian diaspora writing, memoir, and contemporary British literature.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Huma Qureshi?
Huma Qureshi is a British author and former journalist who has written memoir, fiction, and short stories.
What newspapers did she work for?
She worked for The Guardian and The Observer, and has also written for other UK publications.
What was her first book?
Her first book was In Spite of Oceans: Migrant Voices, published in 2014.
Has Huma Qureshi won any awards?
Yes. She won the John C Laurence Award for In Spite of Oceans and the 2020 Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Prize.
What kind of books does she write?
Her books include memoir, short-story collections, and fiction.
Does she still work in journalism?
She is described as a former Guardian and Observer journalist and now works mainly as an author and creative writing teacher.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huma_Qureshi_(journalist)
    Supports: British author and former Guardian and Observer journalist
  2. Huma Qureshi — https://www.humaqureshi.co.uk/about
    Supports: Books, writing background, and creative writing teaching
  3. The Asian Writer — https://theasianwriter.co.uk/2014/10/16/huma-qureshi/
    Supports: First book and award for In Spite of Oceans
  4. Emma Finnigan PR — https://www.emmafinniganpr.co.uk/press-releases/2021/11/7/how-we-met-by-huma-qureshi
    Supports: Award-winning writer, publications, and Harper’s Bazaar Short Story Prize
  5. Peters Fraser and Dunlop — https://petersfraserdunlop.com/clients/huma-qureshi/
    Supports: Awards, books, and publication details