On a Moscow street a car hits a girl Sonya. Contrary to the orders of his superiors, investigator Stepa Korneev tries to find the killer, for which he quickly gets a bullet. But death for Stepa is only the beginning: he finds himself in the bizarre world of the Moscow suburbs, inhabited by unquiet souls. Here, in the ever-changing subconsciousness of the ancient city, people who have died but were left without proper burial await the decision of their fate: killed in plague riots and wars, executed and tortured, killed by accident or by malice. Meanwhile, real Moscow is in trouble, and it is Stepan Korneev, who finds himself in the Moscow suburbs, who can help the city. He is offered to become a hero - to find a powerful villain who plotted to destroy Moscow. Is he ready for this? After all, in the world of the living he still has unfinished business - to find Sonia's killer. What will he choose - the thirst for retribution or the opportunity to prevent a catastrophe?
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
