On February 5, 2026, London bookstore Idiot Books will host a presentation of Masha Slonim's new book, Returns: A Lighthearted Memoir, a sincere and surprisingly candid account of life between countries, eras, and destinies.
The guest of the evening will be Masha Slonim herself — a British and Russian journalist, a person of rare self-irony and inner freedom. In conversation with Yuri Saprykin, she will talk about returns as a means of self-discovery, about a life full of sharp turns and changes, about the people and encounters that shape a biography, and about how to write memoirs while remaining honest and lighthearted at the same time.
Returns is a mosaic of personal episodes, portraits of the times, and family stories told with warmth, humor, and rare clarity. It is a book in which the 20th century, the present day, and the readers themselves are easily recognizable.
The meeting will be held in Russian. At the end of the evening, you will have the opportunity to purchase and have signed Masha Slonim's book “Returns: A Lighthearted Memoir.”
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.
