Arundhati Roy wins 45th European Essay Prize for ‘Azadi’

45th European Essay Prize for ‘Azadi’

Writer and activist Arundhati Roy has been awarded the 45th European Essay Prize for lifetime achievement on the occasion of the French translation of her latest essay, ‘Azadi’. The French translation ‘Liberte, fascisme, fiction’ appeared in Gallimard, a leading French publishing group. At a function to be held on September 11 at the European Essay Prize 2023 Round Table, in partnership with the University of Lausanne (Unil), Theatre de Vidy, Lausanne, Arundhati Roy will discuss citizenship and identity, environment and globalisation, caste and language.

The award ceremony will take place the next day (September 12) at the Lausanne Palace, where she will give a lecture. In this series of electrifying essays, Arundhati Roy challenges us to reflect on the meaning of freedom in a world of growing authoritarianism, it noted. The essays include meditations on language, public as well as private, and on the role of fiction and alternative imaginations in these disturbing times.

An Overview of the News

• Arundhati Roy’s book of essays, ‘Azadi’ (2021), especially the French translation, received acclaim.
• ‘Azaadi’ explores the concept of freedom in an increasingly totalitarian world, with an emphasis on fiction and alternative imaginations.
• Roy is known for his notable works, including the Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things.
• The award ceremony will be held on September 12 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Past recipients of the European Essay Prize include Alexander Zinoviev, Amin Malouf and Siri Hustvedt.

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European Essay Prize

• It is the first literary award dedicated solely to the genre of the essay.
• The award recognizes outstanding essays that criticise current societies, their practices and ideologies.
• It has been awarded since 1975 highlighting its long standing presence in the literary scene.
• Award-winning essays shed light on social norms, political structures, cultural practices, and socioeconomic challenges.

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