On December 4, in Berlin, at Babel Books, there will be a presentation of Mikhail Sokolovsky's book “The Dragon's Skeleton,” published by Fresh Verlag.
Mikhail Sokolovsky is a writer, screenwriter, and playwright who worked in Russian cinema for over 20 years before emigrating in 2022 and now lives in Berlin. The Dragon's Skeleton is his first book published outside Russia.
The collection brings together texts from different years and genres.
The historical play that gave the book its title refers to the legend of how the young Leonardo da Vinci, sheltering from the rain in a cave, stumbled upon the fossilized skeleton of a huge dragon. This discovery became the starting point for his reflections on nature, its origins, and the laws of the world.
The book also includes:
• The novel “The Glutton's Will,” set in the fictional Northern Tonga;
• the comedy “Srach,” set in the same space, but in 2024;
• The satirical novel House of Prayer, which transports the reader to Moscow in 2012, when times still seemed “vegetarian,” but the Pussy Riot case had already made headlines.
None of the works were published in Russia due to censorship.
During the meeting, the author will share stories from his professional life, read excerpts from his books, and answer questions. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book and receive an autograph.
Babel Books Berlin
Bernauer Straße 49, 10435 Berlin
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 Award is given annually. The jury votes, with each member selecting between one and three works. The winner is the author whose work receives the most votes. Additionally, a reader’s vote (Crowdfunding) is conducted on the Award’s website, where readers can vote for authors and support them financially.
What Awards Are Provided?
The winner of the Award receives a grant to translate the work into English, French and German. Also, as part of the reader's vote, all collected funds are transferred to the authors for whom the readers voted.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Прием заявок на конкурс второго сезона премии начнется 1 сентября 2025-го и закончится 15-го октября 2025 года.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
В январе 2026 года Совет Экспертов объявит список финалистов. Читательское голосование начинается в тот же месяц. В феврале-апреле члены жюри читают книги-финалисты, а победителей Премии и читательского голосования объявят в мае 2026 года.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
В конкурсе второго сезона могут принимать участия произведения, изданные в 2024-м году. Произведения (роман, повесть, сборники рассказов и эссе, документальная проза), вышедшие отдельными изданиями или опубликованные в журналах. Номинировать на премию имеют право как издательства и редакции журналов, так и сами писатели или третьи лица (с согласия и письменного подтверждения автора). Тексты подаются к рассмотрению в электронном виде. Премия «Дар» открыта для всех авторов. Учитывая главные цели премии: продвижение современной русскоязычной литературы за пределами РФ и характер самого вознаграждение (грант на перевод) - приоритет будет отдаваться авторам, чьи произведения ранее не переводились на английский, французский и немецкий языки.
