The Alternative Nobel Shortlist: Democratic And Diverse

The shortlist for the New Academy Prize in Literature – established as an alternative to the 2018 Nobel Prize after its cancellation – is proof that a public vote can help to democratise literature and highlight alternative voices.

The New Academy Prize in Literature has announced its 2018 shortlist, which features writers from Japan, Britain, Guadeloupe and Vietnam. Set up in response to the Swedish Academy’s cancellation of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature, the New Academy hopes to honour Nobel-worthy writers while employing a grass-roots approach.

After a sexual harassment scandal prompted the Swedish Academy to cancel this year’s Nobel prize, a group of Swedish librarians banded together to form the New Academy Prize in Literature. Their aim was to remind the world that “literature should be associated with democracy, openness, empathy and respect”.

Though the New Academy’s timeline is similar to that of the absent Nobel (both announce winners in October), its voting system is radically different. Where the Nobel Prize is traditionally decided behind closed doors, the New Academy’s approach is based on transparency and inclusivity. Swedish librarians initially nominated 47 authors, at which point the public were asked to vote on a shortlist. More than 30,000 members of the public voted, creating the four-strong list.

Haruki Murakami – shortlisted for 2017’s Nobel Prize in Literature – is the most recognisable name up for the New Academy award. Celebrated for his compelling mix of surrealism and pop culture, Murakami works Norwegian Wood, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore have been translated into numerous languages around the world.

Maryse Condé, one of the Caribbean’s most significant authors, also features. It was Segu – an epic tale of a West African dynasty – that propelled the author to literary fame in 1984. Guadeloupe-born Condé explores “how colonialism has changed the world and how those affected take back their heritage”, according to a note written by the New Academy. British author Neil Gaiman, responsible for mesmeric mythical re-tellings of traditional stories, and Kim Thúy, a Vietnamese author who grew up in Canada and is “known for her short and elegant stories about being a refugee and an immigrant”, complete the list.

The New Academy winner will be decided by an expert jury, and will be announced on 12 October 2018. The Academy will dissolve following a ceremony in December, with the Swedish Academy planning to award two Nobel Prizes in Literature in 2019.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.