European Union Prize for Literature
1 appearances
-
Edition 3 (2011) Winner
Tomáš Zmeškal
トマーシュ・ズメシュカル
Tomáš Zmeškal
Profile
- Gender
- Male
- Born
- 1966-01-01 （Prague）
- Nationality
- Czech
- Languages
- Czech, English
- Residence History
- London → Prague
Career
- Occupations
- Writer, High-school teacher, University lecturer, Musician
- Active Years
- 1980-
- Affiliations
- Charles University (taught), Psí vojáci (band), High school in Prague (teacher)
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King's College London | — | English Language and Literature | — | — | United Kingdom |
King's College London
English Language and Literature
Country:
United Kingdom
Studied English language and literature while living in the UK in the 1980s
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | EU Prize for Literature | Love Letter in Cuneiform Script (Milostný dopis klínovým písmem) | — | EU Prize for Literature | Winner |
| — | Josef Škvorecký Prize | Love Letter in Cuneiform Script (Milostný dopis klínovým písmem) | — | Josef Škvorecký Prize | Winner |
EU Prize for Literature
Work:
Love Letter in Cuneiform Script (Milostný dopis klínovým písmem)
Organization:
EU Prize for Literature
Result:
Winner
Josef Škvorecký Prize
Work:
Love Letter in Cuneiform Script (Milostný dopis klínovým písmem)
Organization:
Josef Škvorecký Prize
Result:
Winner
Awards & Nominations
Works
Major Works
Love Letter in Cuneiform Script (Milostný dopis klínovým písmem)
2008 NovelDebut novel intertwining personal memory, history and identity; addresses Czech society and the author's mixed heritage. The book received multiple literary awards after publication.
IdentityMemoryRaceCzech society
Biography of a Black-and-White Lamb (Životopis černobílého jehněte)
2009 NovelA novel that continues to explore fragments of personal and social memory and identity.
MemoryIdentityHistory
Socrates on the Equator (Sokrates na rovníku)
2013 NovelA work containing philosophical questions and humor; touches on language, philosophical themes, and elements of colonial heritage.
PhilosophyLanguageColonial heritage
Bibliography
- Love Letter in Cuneiform Script (Milostný dopis klínovým písmem)
- Biography of a Black-and-White Lamb (Životopis černobílého jehněte)
- Socrates on the Equator (Sokrates na rovníku)
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- Experimental styleMultilingual expressionBlend of lyrical and satirical elements
- Recurring Motifs
- Identity and originMemory and historyLanguageExile and return
Legacy
Gained prominence in contemporary Czech literature with his acclaimed debut. His works on race, memory and language have been recognized domestically and abroad and have influenced younger writers.
Trivia
- He was born to a Congolese father and a Czech mother.
- In the 1980s he moved to London and studied English at King's College London.
- He was a member of the band Psí vojáci in the 1980s.
- His 2008 debut won the EU Prize for Literature and the Josef Škvorecký Prize.