Austrian Literature Prize of the Vienna Association Exil Slovenian writer Tamari Steiner

Slovenian writer and violist Tamara Štajner has been awarded the Austrian literary prize of the Vienna-based organization Exil. The award will be presented in December in Vienna. Štajner received the honor for her work Haus Nr. 5. She is also known for her current novel Luft nach unten, which recently topped the ORF book charts. The ceremony will take place on December 11th at the Literary House in Vienna, with the recipient receiving €3,000. The jury described Štajner's work as a compelling narrative about intergenerational trauma and the complex relationship between mother and daughter. They noted her skillful portrayal of intricate structures such as biographies and relationships, highlighting how she brings these elements vividly before readers' eyes. The tension built throughout the story gradually dissipates in the final act, according to the jury’s explanation. The Exil Award, established in 1997, aims to promote the literary works of authors who come from different cultures and whose native language is not German but who write in German. This year marks the thirtieth time the award will be given out. It is designed to highlight the contributions of writers from diverse backgrounds within the German-speaking literary scene. Štajner was born in 1987 in Nova Gorica and currently resides in Vienna. Her novel Luft nach unten earned her a nomination for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize in 2024, which is awarded during the Days of Literature in German in Klagenfurt. She also received the kelag award for this work. Štajner described the novel as being intertwined with memories, visions, feelings of the present, and touching upon wars in the Balkans. She herself assessed it as emotionally rich. In addition to her novel, Štajner received the poetic award from the Italian town of Merano in 2024 for her poetry cycle Balkan Ultra. In 2022, she published the poetry collection Vrzeli, followed by her debut novel Goseničji kožuh the following year. Štajner’s career has spanned both music and literature. As a violist, she has performed in various ensembles and contributed to cultural life in Austria. Her transition into writing has brought her critical acclaim, particularly for her exploration of personal and historical themes through fiction. Her work often delves into the complexities of identity, memory, and the aftermath of conflict. These themes resonate deeply with audiences and critics alike, contributing to her growing reputation in the literary world. Štajner’s ability to weave personal narratives with broader historical contexts has set her apart as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature. The award ceremony in Vienna will serve as a platform to celebrate her achievements and recognize her contributions to German-language literature. It will also provide an opportunity for her to engage with fellow writers and literary figures from around the region. The event is expected to draw attention from both local and international literary circles. Štajner’s upcoming projects include further explorations of similar themes, with new works anticipated in the coming years. Her continued presence in the literary landscape suggests that her influence will grow, offering fresh perspectives on the human experience through her writing. The Exil Award ceremony will feature readings, discussions, and other activities centered around Štajner’s work. Attendees can expect a celebration of her literary achievements and the impact of her storytelling on contemporary culture. The event underscores the importance of supporting and recognizing talent from diverse cultural backgrounds within the German-speaking literary community.