Big Book National Literary Prize: Finalists Announced
The finalists for the national literary prize known as the Big Book have been revealed amid celebrations surrounding the opening of Russia’s prominent book festival near Red Square. The selections followed a public vote conducted in the hours leading up to the festival’s keynote events in the GUM Performance Hall. A total of 301 applications were submitted for consideration, and 48 works were advanced to the long list announced on 19 April.
The shortlist features a diverse group of authors and titles that span historical fiction, biographical narratives, philosophical meditations, and contemporary prose. The finalists are Pavel Basinsky with The True Story of Anna Karenina, Sergei Belyakov for Paris Children in Stalin’s Moscow, Alexei Varlamov presenting Rozanov’s Name, Dmitry Danilov with Sasha, hello!, Oleg Ermakov offering Olaf’s Spring, Ruslan Kozlov with Stabat Mater, Afanasy Mamedov presenting Babelon Steamboat, Anna Matveeva with Every Hundred Years. A Daily Romance, Sofia Sinitskaya’s Humpback Chronicle, and Yakhina the Beautiful with Echelon in Samarkand.
Judging the winner is a distinguished panel, including prominent figures from Moscow’s arts scene and cultural leadership. The jury is led by the artistic director of a major theatre, and comprises senior cultural advisers and executive leaders from major Russian media and cultural institutions. Their role is to assess literary merit, originality, and the work’s contribution to the national literary landscape, while also considering how each book engages readers across generations and regions.
The Big Book prize was launched through a collaboration of the non-profit Center for the Promotion of Russian Literature and other partners, and it has been a fixture in the country’s literary calendar since 2005. The award aims to celebrate and elevate outstanding works of Russian fiction and non-fiction, encourage high standards of storytelling, and bring authors into closer dialogue with readers, scholars, and cultural institutions across the nation.
In broader context, the prize and festival events shine a light on contemporary Russian literature, the evolving tastes of readers, and the dynamic discussions that shape modern storytelling. The finalists’ list demonstrates a wide spectrum of voices and perspectives, reflecting both traditional literary concerns and newer, experimental approaches that resonate with today’s audiences. The outcome will influence not only awards and recognition but also future publishing opportunities and scholarly attention across the country.
As the competition moves toward a final decision, readers and literary observers alike anticipate how the winning work will capture the moment, inspire debate, and endure in the cultural memory of Russia. The Big Book prize continues its mission to nurture literary excellence while fostering a vibrant, inclusive conversation about literature in the modern era.
Other questions about the landscape of today’s Russian children’s literature and prevailing reading habits for younger audiences are often explored in tandem with the prize, highlighting how parental guidance, education systems, and public libraries shape what young readers choose to explore next.