Up to Award

In the short novel Up to Award, Semira Osmanagić exposes the behind-the-scenes of literary awards and the psychology of the commissions that decide on artistic awards with sharpness, humor and irony.

The author takes a critical approach to contemporary literature: she points out its routine, hyperproduction and lack of humor, while at the same time offering insight into the mechanisms that shape the status of artists.

The story develops from a seemingly classical narrative into a complex literary interweaving in which voices and texts intertwine. The author plays with language, literary references (among them Amos Oz, Philip Roth and Thomas Bernhard) and challenges the reader to think about what literature is and what role it plays today.

The book includes photograpy by Tadej Vaukman, which serves as a parallel interpretation to the book.

The novel will appeal to readers who expect more than just a story—specifically, critical reflection, humor, and provocation.