Erlend Loe´s novel 'Muleum' Awarded a Brand New Dutch prize for Young Adult Fiction
Loe's 'Muleum' was one of six novels shortlisted for the Grote Jongerenliteratuur Prijs. The 2010 edition of this prize is the first ever, and it is the only Jury Prize in the Netherlands that laurels fiction in the 15+ category. Two prizes of € 5000 are awarded: one for the best work of fiction in Dutch, and one for best translated work of fiction. In the latter category, Erlend Loe shares his prize with the translator Femmigje Andersen Sijtsma. A jury, consisting mainly of professional readers, selected Erlend Loe’s novel out of nearly 80 exhibits.
What the jury said about 'Muleum':
"This diary is an unexpected ode to life, although it starts with death: Eigteen year-old Julie’s parents and brother die in a plane crash in Africa. ‘Do whatever you like’, is the last text message Julie’s father sends, after which Julie starts an absurd, touching and humorous search for the meaning of life. Loe’s style fits perfectly to Julie’s alternately bitter, indifferent and desperate tone. Masterly and with loads of humor Loe shows how arbitrariness and coincidence define the path of one’s life."
Read more about the novel here