The German author Katja Oskamp, and translator Jo Heinrich have won this year's Dublin Literary Award, sponsored by Dublin City Council.
The winning novel is Marzahn, Mon Amour.
The Dublin Literary Award is the world's largest prize for a single novel published in English and is worth E100,000. In this case E75,000 goes to to the winning author and E25,000 to the translator.
Marzahn, Mon Amour is the story of a writer who retrains as a chiropodist and begins working in the suburb of Marzahn on the outskirts of Berlin. The book tells the stories of the clients and co workers she meets, and together create a portrait of the community itself.
Watch an extract from Marzahn, Mon Amour, performed by Aenne Barr
The book is the 11th novel in translation to win the Dublin Literary Award. The winning title was announced by Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy at the International Literature Festival Dublin, which is taking place at Merrion Square in Dublin City Centre.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy described Marzahn, Mon Amour as a beautifully written novel, and a warm, witty and moving portrait of older residents in Berlin.
Winner Katja Oskamp said 'This prize honours my work as a writer and as a chiropodist in the most wonderful way possible. I am proud that the jury's decision draws attention to the moving biographies of my East German compatriots.'
And the winner is... Marzahn, Mon Amour by Katja Oskamp, translated from the original German by Jo Heinrich (@groveregg)! 🥳 Congratulations to all involved in bringing this beautiful story to life. pic.twitter.com/4zZAWYvqFJ
— Dublin Literary Award (@DublinLitAward) May 25, 2023
Translator, Jo Heinrich said 'I can’t get over the warm reception this book has had, and the way people have really taken it into their hearts. The last few weeks have been mind-blowing for a newbie translator; my concentration span has been decidedly lacking since I heard we’d be here in Dublin – but this is the absolute high point of my life, and I really cannot thank you all enough.'
Katja Oskamp and Jo Heinrich will appear at ILFDublin, for an in-depth conversation about the novel, with broadcaster Rick O’Shea, tomorrow evening (Friday 26th May) at 6.15pm in Merrion Square Park (Speranza stage).
Copies of the winning title are available to borrow from Dublin City Libraries and from public libraries throughout Ireland.
