Mark_Behr

Mark
Behr

Mark Behr (1963-2015), born in Tanzania and raised in South Africa, was a talented author who addressed race, gender, and militarization within contemporary authoritarian cultures.

His first novel, The Smell of Apples, was published in Afrikaans in 1993 while he was a student of the Kroc Institute, and in English in 1995. He has since published two more award-winning novels, Embrace and Kings of the Water. His work has been awarded prizes in Africa, Europe, and the United States, and has been translated into 10 languages.

Mark was professor of English Literature and Creative Writing at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. He previously taught at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, the College of Sante Fe, New Mexico, the University of New Mexico and the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He also researched and taught several times over the years at the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, Norway (PRIO).

Mark Behr (1963-2015), born in Tanzania and raised in South Africa, was a talented author who addressed race, gender, and militarization within contemporary authoritarian cultures.

His first novel, The Smell of Apples, was published in Afrikaans in 1993 while he was a student of the Kroc Institute, and in English in 1995. He has since published two more award-winning novels, Embrace and Kings of the Water. His work has been awarded prizes in Africa, Europe, and the United States, and has been translated into 10 languages.

Mark was professor of English Literature and Creative Writing at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. He previously taught at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, the College of Sante Fe, New Mexico, the University of New Mexico and the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He also researched and taught several times over the years at the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, Norway (PRIO).

artwork-image

RELATED FEATURES

News February 17 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Longlist is Revealed

Delve into the 20 novels longlisted this year.
Video December 31 2025

Bidding farewell on our 30 Years Anniversary Year

Let's take a look back at some highlights from past years.
News November 19 2025

2026 Nominations Revealed

69 titles have been nominated by 80 libraries from 36 countries for the 2026 Award
News November 19 2025

2026 Dublin Literary Award Judges Announced

Meet our judging panel for 2026 Dublin Literary Award

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.