The idea for a new international literary prize was raised by the couple Thomas and Catharina Berman a year and a half ago.
How could they use their means to honor writers who work in the spirit of the Jewish literary tradition?
- The award embodies our sense of admiration for that particular literary tradition.
It is also very fun to be able to give this award based on Sweden.
My family and I are very grateful to the country that received my grandfather and grandfather from the Russian part of Poland at the end of the 19th century.
They got the opportunity to realize their dreams and ambitions here, says Thomas Berman to TT.
The importance of belonging
The Berman couple have been living abroad for many years, and both the family history and the family's current life have contributed to an understanding of the importance of belonging.
- When you grow up in the Jewish culture, among friends, family and schoolmates, then you may not think much about it.
But when you come abroad as a new person and have to restart again, that affiliation becomes very important, says Catharina Berman.
The donors emphasize, however, that the Berman Literature Prize is not an ethnic prize, but is open to authors with all backgrounds.
On the other hand, it is not primarily long and productive writings that should be rewarded, on the contrary, the work that is praised should be "newly written or relatively new".
Thomas Berman also has a feeling that the jury will, at least for the first few years, focus on finding top candidates to get the award properly introduced.
Named jury
The well-known jury that nominates the winner has an advisory committee to assist them.
- The jury is completely indomitable in its decision-making.
We as donors have no reason at all to try to get involved in that.
However, the committee members have the right to nominate candidates, but the jury has its own integrity and makes the decision, says Thomas Berman.