Author of works on writer Alma Karlin wins Mira Prize
Ljubljana, 7 November - Writer and translator Jerneja Jezernik has received this year's Mira Prize for researching and preserving the heritage of Slovenian writer and globetrotter Alma M. Karlin. The prize honouring outstanding women authors is given out by the women's section of Slovenian PEN.
Ljubljana
Winner of the 2023 Mira Prize Jerneja Jezernik.
Photo: Tatjana Splichal
Jezernik's long-time work helped put the forgotten author and world traveller Alma Karlin (1889-1950) back on the cultural map of Central Europe, the jury said.
She translated 17 of Karlin's books from German into Slovenian, thus bringing her work to Slovenian readership, while penning three monographs on Karlin.
Jezernik is also successfully creating cultural connections between Slovenia and Austria, said the jury, highlighting her heading the Slovenian Study Library in Klagenfurt, as well as her work as editor of Slovenian content for publisher Drava and at the radio station Agora.
Jezernik was one of five nominees for the Mira Prize alongside writers Anja Mugerli, Mirana Likar Bajželj and Vilma Purič and translator Dušanka Zabukovec.
She received the award at a ceremony held at the Alma Karlin Hall at Cankarjev Dom in Ljubljana on Monday evening.
The women's section of Slovenian PEN has been awarding the Mira Prize since 2013, highlighting the gender imbalance in literary prizes. Last year's laureate was Darinka Kozinc, who received the prize for her research on Slovenian women who worked in Egypt as domestic help and wet nurses.