Murakami Withdraws from New Academy Prize

Haruki Murakami, who was shortlisted for The New Academy Prize in Literature, has asked to be withdrawn from consideration, explaining that “his preference is to concentrate on his writing, away from media attention.”

The prize was founded by Swedish journalist Alexandra Pascalidou with the intent of providing an international literature award since the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature is not being awarded. The New Academy plans to dissolve in December 2018. With Murakami’s withdrawal, the remaining shortlisted authors are Maryse Condé, Neil Gaiman, and Kim Thúy.

The winner will be announced on October 12, 2018. The one million kronor (around $112,000) prize will be presented at a formal event on December 9, 2018. The jury consists of Lisbeth Larsson, Ann Pålsson (president of the jury), Gunilla Sandin, and Peter Stenson.

For more information, including a complete list of finalists, see their official website.


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