For the first time in more than two decades, the National Book Foundation is adding a new category to its annual slate of literary prizes: the National Book Award for Translated Literature. The new prize announced Wednesday will recognize a work of either fiction or nonfiction translated into English and published in the U.S.
Executive Director Lisa Lucas described the move, which was approved unanimously by the foundation’s board of directors, as a bid to transcend traditional boundaries and broaden the awards’ scope for the sake of American readers.
“We are a nation of immigrants, and we should never stop seeking connection and insight from the myriad cultures that consistently influence and inspire us,” she said in a statement.
Leave a Reply