Writer Veselin Mišnić and his novel The Other Side of Silence have been named the winners of this year’s “Đuro Damjanović” award, as decided by the jury of the Association of Writers of Republika Srpska – Banja Luka Branch.
The award, given for the best book (novel, short story collection, or poetry) published in Serbian during the previous year, attracted 44 submissions. After reviewing all entries, the jury, consisting of writer Zoran Kostić (jury president), professor and writer Dr. Đorđe Vuković, and writer Miladin Berić (jury members), unanimously decided to award this year’s “Đuro Damjanović” prize to distinguished Serbian author Veselin Mišnić, according to a statement from the association.
Veselin Mišnić (b. 1954), born in Kolašin and residing in Belgrade, has published over 40 books, including novels, collections of short stories, poetry, satire, critiques, and essays. His works have been translated into about 20 languages and are featured in major literary anthologies, collections, and almanacs. He has received numerous literary awards and is a member of the Association of Writers of Serbia with the status of a distinguished artist.
The awarded book, The Other Side of Silence, is a culmination of Mišnić’s poetic expression and philosophical reflection on the world, articulated through short forms such as fragments, thoughts, aphorisms, lyrical records, poetic medallions, and similar concise forms.
Organized into 120 alphabetically ordered sections, this unique book, part lexicon in a way, can be read in multiple ways. In many instances, it invites readers to explore between the lines, reflecting the mysteries of our reality and the imagination on the edge of truth.
In terms of genre, this collection of fragments closely resembles Ivo Andrić’s Signs by the Roadside and is a work that readers will often keep on their bedside tables, particularly during nights when silence reigns and thoughts drift beyond their usual bounds.
The “Đuro Damjanović” award, which includes a plaque, a monetary prize, and a gift from the Damjanović family, will be presented on December 17 at the Milanović House.
In addition to the awarded book, the shortlist also included Mirko Vuković’s novel The Pomegranate from Prebilovci, which the jury deemed equally deserving of recognition. However, the award cannot be shared, as the rules stipulate a single winner.
Source: RTRS
