On November 29, 2025, Prague will host the presentation of the novel Shield and Google, published by Fresh Verlag. It is a detective story based on real journalistic investigations and written by reporters Zhenya Snezhkina and Dmitry Treshchanin. One of the authors worked as a court reporter for many years and wrote about human rights in Russia—and at some point realized that fictional detective stories seem implausible against the backdrop of reality. This is how the idea for the book came about, where the investigation is based on the true logic of events, and the truth is sometimes scarier than fiction.
The novel is set in the fall of 2014: a group of role-playing enthusiasts gather at a Czech castle to reenact a 15th-century battle, but accidentally witness a crime. The threads of this incident stretch into modern history and intertwine with a war that is just beginning to unfold.
At the presentation, the authors will talk about how journalism turns into literature, what became the starting point for the plot, and why the events invented in 2020 took on a frightening prophetic power after February 2022.
Starts at 5:30 p.m.
Location: House of National Minorities, Vocelova 3, Prague 2.
The book Shield and Google will be available for purchase on site.
The online version is available on the website Fresh Verlag.
Event organizers: БУДЕТ ТОЛК and Praguebooktower
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.
