Marilynne Robinson shortlisted for the 2016 International DUBLIN Literary Award

We are delighted to announce that Virago author, Marilynne Robinson, has been shortlisted for the 2016 International DUBLIN Literary Award, with Lila – published in paperback in 2015.

The International DUBLIN Literary Award is presented annually for a novel written in English or translated into English. The award aims to promote excellence in world literature. It is proudly sponsored by Dublin City Council and is managed by Dublin City Public Libraries.

The award is open to novels written in any language and by authors of any nationality. Nominations are submitted by library systems in major cities throughout the world. Founded in April 1995, the award is now in its 21st year.

“The titles on this year’s shortlist were nominated by public libraries in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the USA”, said Ardmhéara / Lord Mayor, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, Patron of the Award. “This is the beauty of this award, proudly sponsored and now fully owned by Dublin City Council; it reaches out to readers and authors worldwide, while also celebrating excellence in contemporary Irish literature represented on the 2016 shortlist by Mary Costello.”

“The 2016 winner will be chosen from this intriguing international shortlist which includes five women writers. The novels come from Brazil, Germany, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Rwanda / France, Spain and the USA”, said Margaret Hayes, Dublin City Librarian. “While many of the stories reflect contemporary themes, they bring us characters facing timeless challenges of love and loss, of innocence and isolation. These engaging stories are set against contrasting landscapes which include Brazil, India, and Rwanda. “

The five member international judging panel, chaired by Hon. Eugene R. Sullivan, will select one winner which will be announced by Ardmhéara / Lord Mayor, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, Patron of the Award, on the morning of Thursday 9th June.

Other shortlisted titles include:

Outlaws by Javier Cercas (Spanish), translated from Spanish by Anne McLean

Academy Street by Mary Costello (Irish) First Novel.

The End of Days by Jenny Erpenbeck (German), translated from German by Susan Bernofsky

A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James (Jamaican)

Diary of the Fall by Michel Laub (Brazilian), translated from Portuguese by Margaret Jull Costa

All the nominated novels can be viewed on www.dublinliteraryaward.ie.

#DubLitAward