Greek author wins prestigious European book award for best novel in Europe


Greek novelist Christos A. Chomenidis received the European Book Prize (The European Book Prize) for his novel ‘Niki’ (Victory) with congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Minister of Culture, among others.

The European Book Prize, one of the most important distinctions in the field of literature, was awarded by the committee to Chomenidis after having recognized his novel as one of the major literary works of our time.

“The award of the European Novel Prize to ‘Niki’ is a victory for Greece. Thanks to art, our homeland can be reintroduced into the world. At the time of this great justification and this joy, I think of my mother and my father who were the first inspiration for “Victory”.

“I think of the teachers who gave me the lights. I think of the readers who have supported me for almost thirty years now. I thank my editor Anna Pataki, who inspires me.

“I send a big kiss to the peers of my daughter young readers, through which our new writers will emerge.

“Thank you so much!” Chomenidis wrote on a social media post.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni also congratulated Chomenidis on her award in a social media post, saying Chomenidis’ work “honors Greek literature, honors Greece”.

“The awarding of the European Novel Prize to Christos Homenidis and ‘Niki’ is a great distinction, not only for the author himself, who has won the appreciation of readers, critics and colleagues for years, but also for Greek literature. The work of Christos Chomenidis honors Greek literature, honors Greece. It was based on a Greek theme, the traumatic part of modern Greek history to create a compelling and unifying novel. With his work, Christos Chomenidis transforms the world into reading. With “Victory”, he turns the gaze of Europe towards Greek literature. “I express my warm congratulations and believe that ‘Niki’ will meet, besides Greek, international audiences.

The award ceremony will take place at the European Parliament on December 8, 2021.


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