maya_gaarder
2002 Nominated

Maya

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

The creation of the universe, the evolution of life on earth, the emergence of human beings, the nature of consciousness and the purpose of human existence: these are the thoughts that occupy the characters of Maya; John Spooke, an English author who is grieving for his dead wife; Frank Anderson, a Norwegian evolutionary biologist who has lost a child and is estranged from his wife Vera; and an enigmatic Spanish couple, Ana and José, who are absorbed in their love for each other. Their stories are intertwined and so strewn with mysteries and illusions that it is difficult to say where one ends and the next begins, or if the accounts the characters give of themselves can be believed. The action moves from Fiji to Spain, from the present to the past as puzzles abound.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Jostein
Gaarder

Jostein Gaarder is the author of several novels, short stories, and children’s books. His best-known work, Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy, has been translated into 60 languages. Gaarder studied Scandinavian languages and theology at the University of Oslo and graduated in 1976. His other works include children’s books and adults novels, such as The Solitaire Mystery, Through a Glass, Darkly, Vita Brevis, and The Ringmaster’s Daughter. Gaarder’s early work also includes the children’s books Barna fra Sukhavati (“The Children from Sukhavati”) published in 1987 and Froskeslottet (The Frog Castle) published in 1988. He lives in Oslo with his family.

Jostein Gaarder is the author of several novels, short stories, and children’s books. His best-known work, Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy, has been translated into 60 languages. Gaarder studied Scandinavian languages and theology at the University of Oslo and graduated in 1976. His other works include children’s books and adults novels, such as The Solitaire Mystery, Through a Glass, Darkly, Vita Brevis, and The Ringmaster’s Daughter. Gaarder’s early work also includes the children’s books Barna fra Sukhavati (“The Children from Sukhavati”) published in 1987 and Froskeslottet (The Frog Castle) published in 1988. He lives in Oslo with his family.

ABOUT
THE TRANSLATOR James
Anderson

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
Norway
Original Language
English
Publisher
Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Translator
James Anderson

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.