The novel "A Bird Flies Along the Sharp Edge of a Knife" (published by Laguna) by Banja Luka writer Tanja Stupar Trifunović has made it to the shortlist for the prestigious “Nin” literary award.
At a meeting held on January 14, the jury, comprising Aleksandar Jerkov (President), Mladen Vesković, Adrijana Marčetić, Tamara Mitrović, and Vladimir Gvozden, selected four novels from a previously announced shortlist of ten titles.
In addition to the novel by the Banja Luka author, the shortlist includes "I Now Roam the World Dead" by Borivoje Gerzić (Rende Books, Belgrade), "NGDL" by Marinko Arsić Ivkov (Niš Cultural Center), and "A Tin Coffin for Zaimović Zejna" by Muharem Bazdulj, a columnist for Glas Srpske.
Jury President Aleksandar Jerkov remarked that once the overwhelming pace of reading so many books subsides, the impression becomes more favorable and enjoyable.
“All ten titles that were in the shortlist deserve attention and reading. Any reader who dedicates time to these books will not be disappointed. As a jury member, I regretfully ponder the question of whether works by authors who passed away in the year of their book’s publication can compete equally for the NIN Award. I believe alternative solutions could be just as good, if not better. As for the four novels selected for the final round, all are highly interesting; some are extraordinarily unique and poetically provocative, which I always favor. Others demonstrate thematic growth in scope and writing, while some come from esteemed authors who manage to surprise, either through the ease of storytelling or the distinctiveness of their approach. I am confident the jury will enjoy the task at hand but will also face significant challenges in selecting the winning novel,” said Jerkov.
The decision on the 71st laureate of the NIN Award will be made on January 27 and announced to the public around noon at the Kolarac People’s University (Music Gallery).