The new Athens literature prize was awarded to the novel “Speed of light” by Javier Cercas in the category for foreign literature translated in Greek and to “What did Lot’s wife see?” by Joana Buradzopoulou in the category “Best Greek novel”. This is the first of its kind prize awarded in Greece for a foreign piece of work. The initiative for the prize belongs to the literature magazine “(De)kata” which is issued by Dinos Soytis and as a model are used the prizes “Booker” from Great Britain and the on of the National circle of book in the USA.

The list of the nominated works in both categories was announced in April. The monetary reflection of the prize is 5000 euro for each of the categories and collector’s edition of “Montblanc” pens who are co organizers of the event. The selection is based solely upon merits and it is followed systematically and “democratically” commented Tonia Arahova, editor of the magazine “(De)kata”. The “(De)kata” foundation formed two judges committees for each category. Dino Sioti has elaborated on the principles for selection by the judges by choosing well known authors as well as recognized literature critics. Four generations of literature experts were presented in the committees.

·       Greek novels – Thanasis Valtinos, Katerina Karokosta, Achilleas Kyriakidis, Dinos Siotis, Chrysa Spyropoulou

·        Foreign novels – Kostas Akrivos, Theodoros Grigoriadis, Ilias Maglinis, Sofia Nikolaidou, and Ersi Sotiropoulou.