On December 13 at 5:30 p.m., BabelBooks Vienna will host a presentation of Ivan Chekalov's new novel, Loneliness. The book continues the storyline of the author's previous novel, Love, but transports the reader to a world where war continues, relationships become fragile, and loneliness becomes the norm.
In his new work, Chekalov considers loneliness as the inability to go beyond the limits of one's own mind. The novel is constructed as a mosaic of different genres: from a play about people who survived the war to a story about the vineyards of a romantic prince. Among the characters are a kindergarten guard who reads fairy tales to children, a Moscow musician wandering through the Sunday silence, and the author himself—or his reflection—walking through Vienna. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Loneliness is addressed to everyone who is tired, has lost their footing, or has been left alone for at least one evening. This is a book about memory, the inability to forget, and attempts to find oneself in motion.
Date and time: December 13, 5:30 p.m.
Address: Babel Books, Reisnerstraße 11, 1030 Vienna
Admission: free, by prior registration info@babelbooks.at
About the author
Ivan Chekalov is the author of the novels Love (Freedom Letters) and We Burned Down, Notre Dame (Exmo), and co-author of the books Finale (with Dmitry Bykov) and Eggplant City. He teaches literature and works as senior editor of the culture section at The Blueprint.
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.
