De Niro's Game wins IMPAC Dublin Literary Award

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De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage has won the 13th annual International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, which aims to promote "excellence in world literature." Books are nominated by public librarians and can be from any country but must be published in English, at least in translation. The prize is managed by the Dublin Public Libraries. De Niro's Game was first published by House of Anansi Press in Canada and was nominated by the Winnipeg Public Library. Rawe Hage was born in Beirut, Lebanon and now lives in Montreal, Canada.

The Prize described the book this way: "De Niro's Game is told through the eyes of Bassam, as he grows up with his childhood friend George, in war-ravaged Beirut. As the young men reach adulthood they must choose their futures: to stay in the city and embrace a life of crime or go into exile abroad, alienated from the only existence they have known." The five judges praised the book for being "an eloquent, forthright and at times beautifully written first novel. Ringing with insight and authenticity the novel shows how war can envelop lives. It's a game where there are no winners, just degrees of survival. It's a wonderful debut and a deserving winner." Click here for more details.