It just goes to show, not everything in publishing goes to the already published and already connected!

Dutch author Gerbrand Bakker has won the 2010 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for his debut novel The Twin, beating out well-known, well-published, and (other) award-winning authors Marilynne Robinson and Joseph O’Neill.  Hearken ye first-time and aspiring authors!

I am particularly intrigued by The Twin, as twins and doubles are recurring themes in The Observer Tales.  Although I was considering a short-story reading list for the summer, I may have to give this novel a look.