The book in question is The Art of Disappearing, which explores friendship and relationships put to the test.
“Mattson’s symbolic shifts in time and things depict the discomfort and boredom that contemporary society imposes on us humans. Comfort is found in creation,” the jury writes in its citation.
The Aniara Prize has been awarded by the Swedish Library Association since 1974. Previous winners include Karolina Ramqvist and Jonas Hassen Khemiri. The prize is worth SEK 50,000.
In a press release, Ellen Mattson expresses her joy at receiving the prize, especially because it comes from libraries.
“I think it symbolizes everything that is good in the world: a room full of learning, open to everyone,” she says.
What do you think?