Edwidge Danticat finalist for National Book Awards

"Dèy," which explores the psychological trauma of a shooting survivor, is among five finalist novels competing against works by Hannah Lillith Assadi and Valeria Luiselli.

The selection was announced in several categories: fiction, essays and documents, poetry, translated literature, and young adult literature. The winners will be revealed at a ceremony in New York on November 18th.

Among the honorary distinctions for this edition is a medal for Salman Rushdie in recognition of his contribution to American letters, and a prize for Perri Klass in reward for her service to the American literary community.

Born on January 19, 1969, Edwidge Danticat is recognized for her exploration of themes of national identity and diaspora. Her body of work has already been distinguished by several prestigious awards throughout her prolific career.