Lebanese writer scoops €100k literary award

LEBANESE writer Rawi Hage yesterday won the €100,000 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award — the world’s most lucrative book prize.

The Beirut-born novelist was one of eight shortlisted in the competition, won in previous years by renowned authors Per Petterson and Colm Tóibín.

Hage was selected for his debut novel, De Niro’s Game, about two childhood friends growing up in war-ravaged Beirut who must choose between self-imposed exile or a life of crime at home.