shadow_child_thomese
2007 Nominated

Shadow Child

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

After the death of his little girl, P.F. Thomese found himself in deathly silent rooms, among words not yet experienced that he still had to learn to write.’If she still exists anywhere, then it’s in language.’
Shadow Child is the moving story of this search for words. It is a breath-taking tribute to a deceased daughter, at once a declaration of love, elegy and self-examination. An entire life is turned upside down, its meaning has to be reinvented.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR P.F.
Thomése

ABOUT
THE TRANSLATOR Sam
Garrett

SAM GARRETT has translated some 50 novels and works of nonfiction. He has won prizes and appeared on shortlists for some of the world’s most prestigious literary awards, and is the only translator to have twice won the British Society of Authors’ Vondel Prize for Dutch-English translation.

SAM GARRETT has translated some 50 novels and works of nonfiction. He has won prizes and appeared on shortlists for some of the world’s most prestigious literary awards, and is the only translator to have twice won the British Society of Authors’ Vondel Prize for Dutch-English translation.

RELATED FEATURES

Video April 7 2026

The 2026 Shortlist

Discover this year's Dublin Literary Award Shortlist
News April 7 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Shortlist is Announced

Delve into the 6 novels shortlisted this year.
News April 2 2026

Past Winner Spotlight: Michael Crummey

Reflecting on his 2025 Dublin Literary Award win with his novel 'The Adversary', libraries, literature and more.
News March 11 2026

Translator Spotlight: Jo Heinrich

Reflecting on translating the 2023 winning novel 'Marzahn, Mon Amour' and life as a literary translator.

STAY CONNECTED

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