Loss, friendship, escape and silence: literary discoveries in Luxembourg

The Luxembourg 2025 National Literary Competition for novels in Luxembourgish, French, German and English has concluded with the announcement of the winners. A total of 61 entries were received, including 5 entries from young authors aged between 12 and 19. The jury, headed by Antoine Pohu, recognised both well-known authors and new, bright names.

First place and a prize of €7,500 (with possible publication support of up to €5,000) is awarded to Jhemp Hoscheit for his novel Den Impakt vu Klappentexter, about the everyday silence of loss, where language becomes not only a reflection of the pain but also a way of experiencing it. The book explores loneliness, memory and the power of imagination to find a way to live after the death of a loved one. It is a story about trying to stay connected to the world through books, metaphors and empathy - literature as therapy, where each phrase can become an anchor or a reminder.

The award of 4,000 euros went to Cathy Clement for her novel "Neel mat Käpp". The novel is characterised by light humour and topical themes: female friendship, environmental awareness, mental health and bullying. The work, according to the jury, is unusual in structure and touches on sensitive contemporary themes without losing its lightness and original voice.

Writer Guy Helminger has been awarded €3,000 for his eccentric travel novel Die Elefantenhaut, in which an artist going through a creative crisis goes out into the world to escape himself. The book, full of self-irony, explores ageing, loss and the power of human connection, and its style is marked by "smooth rhythm and humour".

The first prize in the youth category (€3,000) went to Silent Screams, a thrilling teen detective film that combines crime scenes with strong emotional tension. Maude Blaschette tells of fear, love, bullying and loneliness, without forgetting themes such as friendship and solidarity. The jury particularly praised the novel's relevance to a young audience and its skilful handling of psychological dynamics.

The Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, expressed his gratitude to the participants and stressed the importance of the competition as a platform for new voices to be heard for the first time and for established talents to be discovered. He hoped that the books would find their readers and be published soon.

The award ceremony will take place on 2 December 2025 at 19:30 at the National Literature Centre in Mersch.