Polish Writer Mateusz Pakuła Shortlisted for Grand Continent Prize
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Loading... - Martisse Bertin
- 06 Dec 2024
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Polish author Mateusz Pakuła has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Grand Continent Prize, joining a select group of five European writers recognized for their outstanding literary contributions. His novel, Skóra po dziadku (Grandfather’s Leather), has garnered praise from an international selection committee for its exploration of family history and personal narrative.
The awards ceremony is set to take place on Friday, December 6, in the breathtaking Mont Blanc massif, located at the French-Italian border, at an impressive altitude of 3,466 meters. This unique setting adds a distinctive flair to the event, celebrating literary excellence in a remarkable environment.
The Grand Continent Prize is renowned for being one of the most generous literary awards in Europe, offering a grant of EUR 100,000 specifically for the translation and dissemination of the winning book. The competition aims to highlight the most exceptional works published in five languages: French, Spanish, German, Polish, and Italian, with the goal of identifying a "great European novel."
Mateusz Pakuła, 41, is not only a prose writer but also a dramatist and theater director. His literary debut, Jak nie zabiłem swojego ojca i jak bardzo to żałuję (How I Didn't Kill My Father and How Much I Regret It), has received numerous accolades, and its theatrical adaptation, which he directed, has also been met with critical acclaim. Pakuła's work is characterized by its depth and introspection, making him a significant voice in contemporary Polish literature.
The Grand Continent Prize has a history of recognizing exceptional literary talent. In 2023, the award was given to fellow Polish writer Tomasz Różycki for his novel Złodzieje żarówek (Lightbulb Thieves). The 2021 and 2022 editions were won by Italian author Roberto Calasso and Spanish writer Aroa Moreno Duran, respectively, showcasing the diverse literary landscape of Europe.
As the awards ceremony approaches, the literary community eagerly anticipates the announcement of the winner, with Pakuła's Skóra po dziadku standing out as a compelling contender for this esteemed recognition.
