TIRANA, December 9 – The National Center for Books and Reading presented the selected candidates for the 2024 National Literature Awards. Meanwhile, the jury included Besnik Mustafaj as chair and members Dhurata Shehri, Elsa Skënderi Rakipllari, Maklena Nika, and Fatmira Nikolli.

Enit Karafili was among 10 authors chosen for the award with the novel “Epope intime” (Intimate Epopee). She told the story of Marla and Marin, cousins leaving Albania in 1995, and explored themes of longing and love for the homeland.

Another finalist, Virgjil Muçi, presented “Tri jetët e zotit P.” (Three Lives of Mister. P). He depicted a man’s boundless love for power over others, spanning three worlds: Earth, the Underworld, and a final station representing self-denial to achieve eternity.

Aida Baro appeared among 10 translators selected for the Grand Translation Award. She translated “Jeta e shkurtër e Lukas Santanës” (Short Life of Lukas Santana) by Elvira Dones. The novel recounts the life of a Texan boy and reflects on capital punishment, injustice, fate, and marginalized struggles.

Elda Gjana also appeared among 10 translators for 2024. She translated Monika Helfer’s “Shtëpia e fundit para malit” (The Last House Before the Mountain), a powerful novel set in a harsh rural world. It explores the burdens in every family and received acclaim from critics, readers, and booksellers alike.

/a.p./