Dr. Zakes Mda
Dr. Zakes Mda, Professor of English at Ohio University, is one of three South African writers nominated for the International Dublin Literary Award, called the world’s richest literary prize since the winning author receives €100,000.
His book nomination is Rachel’s Blue, in which Mda sets his scene very close to home—at the Farmer’s Market in Athens and in nearby Rome Township.
Mda is Ohio University alum, having earned an M.A. and an M.F.A. here. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town.
Organized by Dublin City Council, the award is in its 21st year. The 2016 pool includes 160 books from 44 countries, and judges will announce a “shortlist” in April. The annual award is for a novel written in English or translated into English.
Books are nominated by more than 400 public libraries around the world—”making the award unique in its coverage of international fiction. Titles are nominated on the basis of ‘high literary merit’ as determined by the nominating library,” according to the award website.
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