Cover of LJ Pemberton’s debut novel, Still Alive, published by independent press Malarkey Books (February 8, 2024). Cover design by Angelo Maneage ©
Still Alive, the captivating debut novel from LJ Pemberton, has earned a spot on the longlist for the 2025 Dublin Literary Award!
Since its launch in 1996, the Dublin Literary Award has been a global beacon of goodness in fiction, honouring standout works of literature from across the world. With a prize of €100,000, it remains one of the most prestigious literary accolades around. And for translated works? The award splits €75,000 for the author and €25,000 for the translator—a true celebration of storytelling and collaboration. This year marks the Award’s 30th anniversary, making the honour even sweeter.
Curated from nominations by 83 libraries across 34 countries, this year’s longlist is a literary feast. It features heavyweights like Percival Everett, Colm Tóibín, Hilary Leichter, and Justin Torres, alongside an impressive 16 debut novels and 26 works in translation. With entries from every corner of the globe—Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania—the list is a testament to the diverse power of storytelling.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blaine perfectly captured the Award’s spirit, saying: “For over 30 years, the Dublin Literary Award has connected readers through the best of fiction from around the world. This year’s longlist reflects the breadth of imagination we celebrate, showcasing cultures, traditions, and unique perspectives.”
Nominated by the D.C. Public Library, Still Alive dives deep into the bittersweet realities of the millennial experience with a fresh, profound, and affectionate lens. The novel captures the unique struggles of being an “elder millennial” navigating a world that rarely meets expectations.
Here’s what the D.C. Public Library had to say about it: “This is solidly one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Pemberton is magic with words. She explores what it means to be an elder millennial queer in a world that offers only disappointments. There are certainly many coming-of-age books, but Pemberton captures moments in time 15 to 20 years ago that speak to specifically today. She is a voice of her generation.”
What’s Next?
The Dublin Literary Award shortlist will be revealed on March 25, with the grand winner announced on May 22 during the International Literature Festival in Dublin. Until then, we’re holding our collective breath and cheering LJ Pemberton on.
LJ Pemberton’s work has graced the pages of The Baffler, Exacting Clam, Los Angeles Review, Northwest Review, and more. Her essays, poetry, and short stories have earned her accolades, and now her debut novel is receiving the global recognition it deserves. A proud graduate of Reed College and Columbia University’s MFA program, Pemberton currently calls Decatur, Illinois home.
Stay tuned as we follow this exciting journey—and if you haven’t picked up Still Alive yet, now’s the time to see what everyone’s talking about.
