Alex Goldfarb's new book about Cold War espionage, Roma Liberov's conversation about Sergei Dovlatov, a literary workshop with Daria Serenko, book presentations dedicated to Evgeny Schwartz and Boris Groys, and an evening with Babel publishing house. We've rounded up literary events taking place over the next few days in New York, Paris, London, and Tbilisi.
Alex Goldfarb Presents His Book The True Story
At White Rabbit's Books, biologist and human rights activist Alex Goldfarb will present his new book, The True Story: Of a Father, a Son, Spies, Dissidents, and the Secrets of Biological Weapons, published simultaneously in Russian and English.
The book tells the story of Goldfarb's efforts in the early 1980s to secure the release of his father, a prominent Soviet refusenik, and how he became entangled in one of the final espionage intrigues of the Cold War. Goldfarb was part of Andrei Sakharov's inner circle, helped Alexander Litvinenko escape from Russia, and co-authored Death of a Dissident with Marina Litvinenko.
White Rabbit's Books, 200 W 86th St, New York
A Literary Workshop with Daria Serenko
Librairie du Globe will host a literary workshop with Daria Serenko, author of Quiet Picket, Girls and Institutions, and I Wish Ashes Upon My Home.
Serenko will discuss her writing practice and read an excerpt from her forthcoming book. Participants will then be invited to try several creative writing exercises and, at the end of the evening, share what they have written. No previous writing experience is required.
Librairie du Globe, 67 Bd Beaumarchais, Paris
Books and Music: An Evening with Babel Publishing House
Auditoria in Tbilisi will host a literary and musical evening featuring the publishing house of the Tel Aviv-based Babel Bookstore and the band Ice Hokku.
The publishers will introduce their books, and the evening will feature literary readings and live music.
Auditoria, S. Janashia 22–26, Tbilisi
Roma Liberov: "Written for Sergei Dovlatov"
Pushkin House will host another evening in the Libris with Liberov series, this time dedicated to Sergei Dovlatov, who would have turned 85 this September.
Filmmaker and producer Roma Liberov, director of Written by Sergei Dovlatov, proposes a conversation in the form of an imaginary letter to the writer. What would we tell Dovlatov about today's world, and what might he have thought of it? The discussion will explore Dovlatov as a writer, an émigré, and an observer of life.
Pushkin House, 5a Bloomsbury Square, London
Natalia Gromova Presents Her Book on Evgeny Schwartz
At the Alexander Solzhenitsyn Cultural Center, Natalia Gromova will present her book Evgeny Schwartz: The Life of a Storyteller in the Age of the Dragon.
The discussion will explore the playwright's life, his diaries, and the story behind his play The Dragon. Why did Schwartz decide to write it? What appeared in the first version, and how was the play received in 1944? Schwartz's stories become relevant again whenever freedom disappears and fear takes hold.
Les Éditeurs Réunis / YMCA-Press, Paris
Svetlana Baskova and Anatoly Osmolovsky Present Groys on Groys
The Turgenev Russian Library will host a presentation of Groys on Groys, published by Vidim Books.
Artist and filmmaker Svetlana Baskova and artist Anatoly Osmolovsky will introduce the book, based on their conversations with philosopher and art theorist Boris Groys over many years. The evening will include readings from the book followed by a discussion.
Bibliothèque russe Tourguenev, 11 rue de Valence, Paris
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.
