For the first time, an Irish language novel has been nominated for the European Union Prize for Literature.
Director of Literature Ireland, Sinéad MacAodha described Madame Lazare, by Tadgh MacDhonnagáin as a very European book which focuses on questions of language, identity, war, migration, memory and loss, subjects which are all the more compelling in the context of the current crisis.
The prize, administered by the Federation of European Publishers in Brussels, celebrates the wealth and diversity of emerging fiction across Europe and promotes the circulation of literature within Europe.
Reacting to the nomination, Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin said: "I'm truly delighted that my novel has been selected to represent both my country and the language in which I work at the European Union Prize for Literature. It’s truly a great honour to be one of fourteen fiction writers across the continent whose work is being introduced by the prize to a wider international readership."
A seven-member European jury will now select an outright winner and recognise five other titles for special mention. The prize will be announced on 21 April at the Paris Book Festival.
