Valery Genkin - founder of the publishing house “Text”, writer, editor - has written a novel doomed to reader success. Before us is a novel composed of three quite complete, but also related works: they have the same main character, the same style and a common tone of narration. This is the story of several generations of the protagonist's family, recorded as a whimsical pattern of his memories, imaginary conversations with his late wife, letters, diary entries and numerous digressions, some of which become complete novellas. Acerbic judgments about historical events and characters and reflections on religion alternate with culinary recipes and observations about language - then great poetry, then cheesy advertising. In the words of Dmitry Bykov, the reader caught in this bizarre net cannot get free until the last page: the character's observations and thoughts about why his life turned out the way it did are interesting and close to many people. Free, original form of the novel, subtle irony and undoubted sincerity of the narrative, in which the author is difficult to separate from the hero, will not leave indifferent connoisseur of good prose.
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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.
