Barry’s Old God’s Time and Donoghue’s Haven are two of the six titles in contention for the prize, alongside If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery, The Sleeping Car Porter by Suzette Mayr, Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright, and Solenoid by Mircea Cărtărescu and translated by Sean Cotter. If the winning book has been translated the author will receive €75,000, while the translator will get €25,000.

The shortlist was announced by award sponsor Dublin City Council and nominations were chosen by librarians and readers from a network of libraries around the world.

The Dublin Literary Award, formerly Impac, is now in its 29th year and this year’s winner will be announced by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste on May 23 as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin.

“The titles on this year’s shortlist were nominated by public libraries in Romania, Germany, Jamaica, Canada and Australia,” de Róiste said.

“This award is notable for highlighting authors from around the world while simultaneously celebrating excellence in contemporary literature.” 

Mairead Owens, a Dublin City librarian, thanked the nominating libraries for providing a window to different worlds and cultures.

“It’s always a pleasure to see the carefully selected shortlist from a longlist of 70 books and as ever we are indebted to the judging panel for their contribution in this regard,” she said.

“I know our library members will find much to muse over as they read the featured novels, all of which are available to borrow from your local library. I hope to see many readers diving into the shortlist and picking their own favourite before this year’s Dublin Literary Award winner is announced.” 

The novels nominated and shortlisted for the award will be available for readers to borrow from public libraries around Ireland.

Last year, Marzahn, Mon Amour by Katja Oskamp and translated by Jo Heinrich won the Dublin Literary Award and previous Irish winners include Anna Burns, Mike McCormack, Kevin Barry, and Colum McCann.