De Niro’s Game by Rawi Hage has scooped the world’s richest literary prize by being awarded the 13th annual International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award today, announced by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Paddy Bourke, Patron of the Award.
Hage, who was born in Beirut, lived through nine years of civil war in the city before emigrating to Canada. His debut novel beat off competition from 137 titles, nominated by 162 public libraries from 45 countries.
The winning novel, first published by House of Anansi Press, Canada, was chosen by a panel of five international judges from a shortlist of eight, including Patrick McCabe’s, Winterwood, heralded by critics as the Monaghan man’s best work yet.
The IMPAC DUBLIN panel, which this year included Irish academic and writer Eibhlín Evans, said: “Rawi Hage’s De Niro’s Game is an eloquent, forthright and at times beautifully written first novel. Ringing with insight and authenticity the novel shows how war can envelope lives. It’s a game where there are no winners, just degrees of survival. It’s a wonderful debut and a deserving winner.”
For more details see the IMPAC Award website
Comments on this entry are closed.