Slovenian Writers’ Association

Vilenica winner points to Ukraine war

Sežana – The 37th Vilenica International Literary Festival drew to a close on Saturday evening with the awarding of the Vilenica Prize to Latvian poet Amanda Aizpuriete, who was not present at the ceremony. In her thank-you speech she raised the issue of the war in Ukraine, saying thousands of soldiers, civilians and children were dying.

Vilenica literary festival starting

Ljubljana – The 37th international literary festival Vilenica is getting under way on Tuesday. Running until Sunday, again in live format, it will feature 14 authors from a dozen countries at 15 events, mostly in Ljubljana but also in the Karst area, Koper, Hrastnik and Italy’s Trieste.

Latvian poet Amanda Aizpuriete wins Vilenica Prize

Ljubljana – Latvian poet Amanda Aizpuriete is the winner of this year’s International Vilenica Prize for Central European literature, which will be given out during the 37th Vilenica International Literary Festival in Slovenia in September. The Slovenian author in the focus will be Andrej Blatnik, the festival’s organisers told the press on Tuesday.

Mateja Gomboc wins Desetnica Prize for best young adult novel

Ljubljana – Author Mateja Gomboc has been awarded the Desetnica Prize for best children’s or young adult novel by the Slovenian Writers’ Association (DSP) for her novel Balada o Drevesu (The Ballad about a Tree) that the jury found to be a moving story about love and loss.

Pahor presents Golden Order of Merit to author Milan Kundera

Paris – President Borut Pahor bestowed the Golden Order of Merit, one of the highest Slovenian state decorations, on Czech-French writer Milan Kundera in Paris on Saturday. Kundera was honoured for having raised his voice for Slovenia’s independence and for his outstanding contribution to understanding turbulent times in Europe.