Ali Smith discusses Dublin Literary Award win on RTÉ Arena
Ali Smith on RTÉ Radio 1
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The wonderful thing about novels is that they change as we change. Novels change with us.
Scottish author Ali Smith has won the 2026 Dublin Literary Award for her novel Gliff published by Hamish Hamilton, part of Penguin Random House.
Following the ceremony Smith sat down with Rick O'Shea on RTÉ Arena to discuss the honour and her creative process. She also reflected on the evolving relationship between readers and novels.
Sponsored by Dublin City Council, the Dublin Literary Award is unique in that nominations are submitted by librarians and readers from libraries around the world. Gliff was nominated by Katona József Library in Hungary.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Smith said:
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It has formed a world library. It forms a library across translation and it forms a library across countries. it's a truly international and democratic award because it comes from the reader and the source where everyone can be a reader.
2026 Dublin Literary Award Winner In Conversation
Ali Smith will join Belinda McKeon this evening (22 May) for an in-depth conversation as part of International Literature Festival Dublin. The first 200 guests will receive a complimentary signed copy of Gliff. You can also watch the event live on YouTube.
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