Angolan novelist wins Dublin Literary Award

Angolan novelist José Eduardo Agualusa has won the 2017 Dublin Literary Award for his story A General Theory of Oblivion.

The Dublin Literary Award is the world's largest prize for a single novel published in English and the prize ceremony took place at the Mansion House this morning. Agualusa walked away with a cheque for €75,000.

On his win, he said, 'I'm very happy to have won the International Dublin Literary Award. A General Theory of Oblivion is a book about xenophobia and the fear of the Other. This theme couldn't be more current. If my winning the prize contributes in some way to a debate and helps fight xenophobia, I would be even happier.'

A shortlist of 147 novels were nominated for the prize by 110 libraries in 40 countries. A General Theory of Oblivion was chosen by an international panel of judges from the final shortlist of ten.

The Award is organised and sponsored by Dublin City Council and has been running for 22 years.

Ger Ryan reads from A General Theory of Oblivion by José Eduardo Agualusa, 2017 shortlist @HarvillSecker @archipelagobks @dubcilib pic.twitter.com/Jh2jwjc6EZ

— Dublin Lit Award (@DublinLitAward) April 27, 2017