Press Release Jamaica Kincaid to receive the Sjöjungfrun (The Mermaid Award) 2026
The celebrated author Jamaica Kincaid receives the Gothenburg Book Fair’s literary prize, Sjöjungfrun (The Mermaid Award) – a prestigious international award established to mark the Book Fair’s 40th anniversary. She is being honoured for her lyrical, humorous and sometimes confrontational style, which captivates readers worldwide and explores themes such as colonialism, mother-daughter relationships and gardening.
In 2026, the prestigious literary award, The Mermaid Award, will be presented for the third time. The prize was established to recognise and honour writers who move and engage their readers. This year’s winner is Jamaica Kincaid – one of the most influential literary voices of our time.
‘I am very honoured and touched by this award. Please know how grateful I am,’ says Jamaica Kincaid, who, upon receiving the news, also shared lines from Ann Spencer’s poem Earth, I Thank You, a work that explores the shared roots of language and nature.
The jury’s citation reads: “Jamaica Kincaid’s books are slim, yet they make the world seem wider. In her novels and essays, she shines a sobering light on our colonial history and family relationships, as well as on the flowers in our gardens. At the same time, she imbues her work with a sensual gaze and life-affirming faith in literature. The Mermaid Award 2026 is presented to a curious writer who helps us understand what it means to be human in a world that constantly finds new ways to devalue the human.”
Jamaica Kincaid is an internationally acclaimed novelist and essayist, known for her incisive and autobiographical explorations of identity and power. She was born on the Caribbean island of Antigua in the West Indies, a background that is clearly reflected in her writing and its themes. She made her debut with the short story collection *At the Bottom of the River* (1983) and achieved her breakthrough with the novel *Annie John* (1985).
Her most acclaimed works include the novels *Lucy* and *My Mother’s Autobiography*, as well as the influential essay *A Small Place*, which has reached over a million readers and explores tourism on her home island. Kincaid has also written about botany and gardening, for example in (The Book of) My Garden, and was a contributor to The New Yorker for many years. She currently lives in the United States, where she also works as a professor at Harvard University.
‘Jamaica Kincaid is one of the leading voices in contemporary literature, whose works I often return to. Her writing inspires important conversations about colonialism, relationships and identity, and she has made a strong impression on readers in Sweden and around the world. Kincaid’s appearance at the Book Fair will be one of the highlights of the year,’ says Oskar Ekström, director of the Book Fair.
In 2019, Jamaica Kincaid was one of the Gothenburg Book Fair’s keynote guests and took part in several discussions. During her visit, attention was drawn to her works *A Small Place* and *Lucy*, both published in Swedish by Bokförlaget Tranan. Now, as she returns to Gothenburg, she will receive the Sjöjungfrun award during a ceremony at the Gothenburg Book Fair, followed by an in-depth discussion focusing on her writing.
Jamaica Kincaid, whose writing spans several decades and has been translated into over 20 languages, joins a distinguished group of previous recipients of The Mermaid Award. Previous recipients include Joyce Carol Oates (2024) and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2025).
About Gothenburg Book Fair
Gothenburg Book Fair is the Nordic region’s largest cultural event and one of Europe’s leading book fairs. For over 40 years, Gothenburg Book Fair has promoted reading, the exchange of ideas, knowledge and learning. The Fair strengthens the role of literature in society – always with storytelling at its heart. Gothenburg Book Fair takes place on 24–27 September 2026 at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in Gothenburg. The 2026 Guest of Honour is Québec, and the themes of the year are Popular Adult Education and Games. Learn more at www.bokmassan.se.
About Bokförlaget Tranan
Bokförlaget Tranan is an independent Swedish publishing house which, since its foundation in 1992, has specialised in publishing translated fiction from around the world. To date, they have published more than 400 books by 750 authors from over 75 countries, and have worked with around 230 translators who have translated books from over 40 different languages.
About Arctic Paper
Arctic Paper is a leading European manufacturer of high-quality graphic fine paper and packaging solutions, with roots dating back to the 18th century. The Group operates three paper mills in Sweden and Poland, focuses on sustainable production, and is known for brands such as Munken and Amber.
For further information, please contact:
Martina Johansson Head of Communications and Marketing, Gothenburg Book Fair mj@bokmassan.se +46 70 614 1996
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Gothenburg Book Fair takes place on the 24-27 September 2026 at the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre.
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