Living Canon

PEN/Faulkner Award 2010: Complete list of winners

The 2010 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction went to Sherman Alexie for War Dances, a powerful collection that showcases the acclaimed Spokane-Coeur d’Alene author’s characteristic blend of humor, pathos, and social commentary. This recognition from one of America’s most prestigious literary awards speaks to Alexie’s enduring talent for capturing the complexities of contemporary Native American life with both unflinching honesty and wit. The PEN/Faulkner Award, named after novelist William Faulkner and administered by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, has long been a bellwether of serious literary achievement, celebrating fiction that demonstrates excellence in craft and significance in voice.

Alexie’s victory that year underscored a growing recognition within the literary establishment of indigenous voices reshaping American letters. War Dances spans genres and themes—from personal essays to stories to poetry—reflecting Alexie’s experimental approach to narrative form. The collection delves into subjects ranging from disability and identity to grief and resilience, often anchored in the author’s own experiences. For readers and critics tracking the evolution of contemporary American literature, Alexie’s win represented both a validation of his decades-long career and a moment when the nation’s foremost literary awards continued to expand their aperture toward more diverse perspectives.

Below, you’ll find the complete list of the 2010 PEN/Faulkner Award winner and finalists:

Fiction