Lídia Jorge Honored with Austrian State Prize for European Literature
Poinews.com – On Tuesday, the Austrian State Prize for European Literature was awarded to Portuguese author Lídia Jorge, as announced on the Ministry of Culture’s official website. This marks the first time the honor has been bestowed upon a Portuguese writer in its 61-year history.
About the Prize
Established in 1965, the award recognizes a European writer’s complete body of work that has gained substantial global acclaim and is accessible in German through translations, according to the press release. The selection process highlights authors whose contributions have transcended borders, resonating with readers across cultures.
Reasons for the Recognition
“Lídia Jorge has long been a prominent figure in Portuguese literature, with her works addressing key themes such as the critique of European colonialism, social inequality, poverty, gender discrimination, racism, and the 1974 Carnation Revolution,” the jury stated.
The panel of judges—comprising Cristina Beretta, Thomas Keul, Thomas Macho, Marlene Streeruwitz, and Andrea Zederbauer—emphasized that Jorge’s career spans nearly five decades, during which she has produced thirteen novels, along with a wide range of children’s books, short stories, plays, poems, and essays.
Notable Works
Her literary output has been translated into Spanish, French, English, and German, with notable titles including O Dia dos Prodígios (1979), A Costa dos Murmúrios (1988), and Misericórdia (2022), among others. These translations have helped bring her critical perspective on colonialism and societal issues to broader audiences.
Minister’s Statement
Austria’s Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Arts and Culture, Andreas Babler, commended Jorge, stating, “She is one of the most distinguished writers in contemporary European literature; her work is as multi-faceted and diverse as her themes are meaningful and omnipresent.”
Ceremony Details
The ceremony, valued at 25,000 euros, is set for July 27 and will be held during the Salzburg Festival by the vice-chancellor. This event underscores the significance of Jorge’s literary legacy within Europe’s cultural landscape.
Author’s Background
Born in 1946 in Boliqueime, Loulé, Portugal, Jorge pursued studies in French literature in Lisbon and resided in Angola and Mozambique during the Colonial War. Beyond her literary pursuits, she also contributed to education, particularly in secondary and higher learning institutions.
Throughout her career, she has been honored with several accolades, including the Grande Prémio de Romance e Novela from the Portuguese Writers’ Association in 2003 for O Vento Assobiando nas Gruas (2002), the 2020 FIL Prize for Literature in Romance Languages, and the Pessoa Prize in 2025. Additionally, she received the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint James of the Sword from former President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in February of this year.
