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Magdalena Blažević’s novel In Late Summer (U kasno ljeto), translated from Croatian by Anđelka Raguž, has been shortlisted for the 2026 Dublin Literary Award, one of the world’s most prestigious international literary prizes for a single work of fiction published in English. The six-title shortlist was announced by Dublin City Council as part of the 31st edition of the award.

Blažević’s inclusion marks a major international success for the author, whose debut novel stands alongside works by Ali Smith, Brigitte Giraud, Laurent Binet, Ocean Vuong and Éric Chacour. This year’s shortlist includes four translated novels, with In Late Summer the only title translated from Croatian. The organizers also highlighted Magdalena Blažević as one of two debut novelists featured on the shortlist.

In its citation, the judging panel described In Late Summer as “a powerful anti-war piece inspired by real-life events” and praised its “incredible restraint” and “deeply authentic voice.” Set in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the early 1990s, the novel follows a 14-year-old narrator, Ivana, whose family and rural community are devastated by the arrival of war. The judges also commended Anđelka Raguž’s translation, noting that it preserves the novel’s “internal rhythms, silences and recurring echoes” and creates a rich and memorable reading experience.

The Dublin Literary Award is worth €100,000, making it the world’s most valuable annual prize for a single work of fiction published in English. In the case of a translated work, €75,000 is awarded to the author and €25,000 to the translator. Uniquely among major literary prizes, nominations are submitted by librarians and readers from a global network of libraries.

The winner will be announced on 21 May 2026 at a gala event during the International Literature Festival Dublin.