The nominees and winners of the Latvian Literature of the Year Award have been announced

This year, 104 books have been applied for the Literature of the Year Award. The jury further advanced the works of 30 authors in seven categories. They will fight not only for recognition, but also for a monetary bonus, which has been increased by half. Another innovation awaits the authors.

This year’s laureates will be the first to receive author Daniels Shatalov’s new design awards. The award is called “Opposite” and is also functional as it acts as a book stand.

The representatives of the jury praise this year’s nominees for their convincing stance that the Latvian language is rich, strong and capable of absorbing external – other languages ​​- elements, while at the same time maintaining respect for Latvianness.

“One of this year’s great emphasis is enormous attention, care, freedom and attentiveness in relation to the Latvian language. + 20:05 It will also be a huge discovery for the reader, that you can look at the world not so much through the eyes of a writer, a poet, but be inspired by this unique vision and create your own vision,” says writer and chairman of the Latvian Literature of the Year Award Ieva Melngaile.

The debut category was also a surprise, as young authors increasingly turn to socially complex topics. The works of four authors have been nominated for the award – among them the actor and director Gusts Ābele. In his work “The sweetest silence in the world”, he emphasizes the sexuality of young people and the search for love.

“Everyone has their own sound, their own special things. A lot of attention is also paid to socially uncomfortable issues and this creates a very special sound of young writers,” says poet and publicist Ligija Purinaš.

The expert commission also awarded a lifetime award for significant contribution to Latvian literature. This year, it will be presented to the exiled writer and author of the well-known children’s book “Minkāns” Margita Gutman. The award ceremony will take place in a month.