We’re delighted to announce that Jaap Robben’s Summer Brother, translated from the Dutch by David Doherty, is on the longlist for one of the world’s most prestigious awards: The International Booker Prize 2021.
The Prize is awarded annually for a single book, translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. The vital work of translators is celebrated, with the prize money divided equally between the author and translator. Summer Brother has already been published in the US to critical acclaim including a lead review in the New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/books/review/summer-brother-jaap-robben.html It will be published in the UK on 8 April.
Author Jaap Robben says: “In Summer Brother, I wrote about fictional characters with almost invisible lives. In a way, I feel very glad for my characters that the Booker Prize jury noticed them. And as their writer, I feel very honoured with by the longlist nomination for one of the world’s most beautiful literary awards.”
World Editions publisher Judith Uyterlinde says: “We are very proud for Jaap Robben to be nominated for this prestigious prize. Robben combines deep sensitivity with a wonderful eye for imagery and atmosphere. His universe is one of children neglected by their parents and abandoned to their fates, but at the same time there is beauty and love to be found in the most unlikely of places. I love the tenderness of his writing, as well as his subtle humor. He is one of the best writers in the Netherlands, where extraordinary literature is blossoming as never before.”
Translator David Doherty says, “I was only a few pages into Jaap’s novel when it dawned on me I was sitting there with a massive grin on my face… and that was before I knew I’d have the chance to translate it! Here’s hoping many more readers will soon be stepping into the beautiful, broken world of young Brian, his enigmatic brother, his absent mum and his hapless macho dad.”
The shortlist will be announced on 22 April. You can find out more about the prize here.
“Jaap Robben handles delicate, dangerous material with subtlety and sympathy.” ―COLM TÓIBÍN
Watch the longlist announcement here
Listen to Jaap Robben speak on his new book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70Dj7igAFX8
Watch the book trailer here