On January 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Prague, there will be a meeting and presentation of the book I Became a Russian Expatriate Myself, a collection of conversations and stories about the experience of emigration, exile, and life outside one's familiar cultural space.
In recent years, the word “emigrant” has become commonplace for people from all walks of life — both those who have already found their footing and those who are still searching. Everyone has had their own experience of upheaval, displacement, and rebuilding themselves. This is precisely what this book is about, bringing together 37 stories told by our contemporaries.
Among the authors of the collection are poet Igor Guberman, sociologist Viktor Vakhtshtein, artist and one of the founders of social art Vitaly Komar, literary historian Gleb Morev, director Marianna Arzumanova, philologist Roman Timenchik, essayist Alexander Etkind, literary scholar Oleg Lekmanov, fashion historian Alexander Vasilyev, journalist Seva Novgorodtsev, and others.
The evening is hosted by the compilers and authors of the collection — Igor Pomerantsev (nominee for the first season of the Dar Literary Award) and Ivan Tolstoy. This is a meeting of people with similar fates but different characters — a conversation that includes personal experiences, doubts, criticism, and mutual listening.
The book was published by Freedom Letters.
The meeting has been arranged. Prague Book Club.
Address:
Pelmenárna
Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad 1552/3, Prague 2
Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station
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.
