Updated 2.45pm with authors’ reactions

Maltese authors Joe Pace and Lara Calleja have been nominated for the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL). The winners will be announced on May 18 in a digital event.

Joe Pace is shortlisted for his book Papa Aħmed (Pope Ahmed) and Lara Calleja is nominated for Kissirtu Kullimkien (You’ve Destroyed Everywhere). Both books are published by Merlin.

The EUPL recognises emerging fiction writers from across Europe. The award includes 41 countries that are part of the Creative Europe programme – an initiative that aims to strengthen Europe’s cultural and creative sectors. Launched in 2009, it has since recognised 135 winning authors through 12 editions.

Joe Pace's Papa Ahmed (left), and Lara Calleja's Kissirtu Kullimkien, both published by Merlin. Photo: Merlin Publishers

Speaking to Times of Malta about the nominations, Chris Gruppetta, director of publishing at Merlin Publishers, said the fact that both shortlisted books are Merlin publications “is something that fills us with pride”. 

“The EUPL is a prize that recognises emerging writers and one of the things we are most proud of is the fact that we foster and develop new talent. The fact that both authors have been published by Merlin tells us that we must be doing something right.”

Lara Calleja’s Kissirtu Kullimkien is a series of short stories revolving around the destructive impact the construction industry is having on the Maltese islands. “I was not expecting the nomination and am very honoured by it”, said Calleja about her shortlisting. “The book opened the door to many opportunities that I was not expecting, including a collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv.” 

“The book, even if it’s narrative based, is very political, dealing with themes of overdevelopment and over-construction.

“I hope that my nomination and the book will serve as a platform so that the message about these themes will be delivered. I will not censure myself on such issues. I will always say what I have to say.” 

Joe Pace’s Papa Aħmed is an action-based work of fiction about the first Maltese Pope. In a reaction to his shortlisting, Pace said that he was “pleasantly surprised by the nomination”.

“While I knew the book was some of my better work, I never expected it to get this far, especially since I write so infrequently,” said Pace.  

“The book is a political thriller. It deals with politics within an organisation like the Church and between three major religions which, while believing in the same God, are constantly at each other’s throats. It also deals with politics between people.”

Each year, the EUPL awards one winner per country from a third of participating countries. This year's edition will award winners from 14 countries: Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Iceland, Latvia, Malta, Moldova, the Netherlands, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Tunisia.