KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 ― Novels written by two local writers have been nominated for the Dublin International Literary Awards 2016 in June for the English novel category or translated into English category.

One novel,  the Tree of Sorrow, was translated from Luka Naning by Malim Ghazoli PK while the other is The Michelangelo Code by Nazehran Jose Ahmad.

Head of Promotions and Accreditatiion at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), Abang Patdeli Abang Ali said both the novels were nominated by the Malaysian National Library and that this is the first time that local novels have been included for the awards.

The award which enters its 21st year this year, is organised by the Dublin City Council.

"The novels which were nominated are a source of pride for the nation, if they win, then it is a bonus," he told reporters after attending a reading of the Tree of Sorrow organised by DBP and the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya, here today. Also present was Malim Ghazoli.

 A total of 160 books from 44 countries have been nominated for this year's awards.

The awards, previously known as the Dublin IMPAC International Literary Awards, offers a main prize of RM470,000. ― Bernama