On December 4, in Berlin, at Babel Books, there will be a presentation of Mikhail Sokolovsky's book “The Dragon's Skeleton,” published by Fresh Verlag.
Mikhail Sokolovsky is a writer, screenwriter, and playwright who worked in Russian cinema for over 20 years before emigrating in 2022 and now lives in Berlin. The Dragon's Skeleton is his first book published outside Russia.
The collection brings together texts from different years and genres.
The historical play that gave the book its title refers to the legend of how the young Leonardo da Vinci, sheltering from the rain in a cave, stumbled upon the fossilized skeleton of a huge dragon. This discovery became the starting point for his reflections on nature, its origins, and the laws of the world.
The book also includes:
• The novel “The Glutton's Will,” set in the fictional Northern Tonga;
• the comedy “Srach,” set in the same space, but in 2024;
• The satirical novel House of Prayer, which transports the reader to Moscow in 2012, when times still seemed “vegetarian,” but the Pussy Riot case had already made headlines.
None of the works were published in Russia due to censorship.
During the meeting, the author will share stories from his professional life, read excerpts from his books, and answer questions. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book and receive an autograph.
Babel Books Berlin
Bernauer Straße 49, 10435 Berlin
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.
