Pristina honours writer Ben Blushi, the novel that troubled the opinion wins the “Autor of the Year”

Renowned Albanian writer Ben Blushi is estimated at the special “Year's Autori” under the Pristina Book Fair, thanks to the success of his latest novel, “I'm Muslim”

The jury, made up of literary critics, writers and poets, praised Bludshi for his unique natural style, as well as courage in dealing with large subjects related to identity, religion, and society - subjects that have long taken place in world literature.

Ben Blushi counts a long career in Albanian public life as publicist, politician and author. It has published more than ten novels and political essays, among which read titles known as “Living on the island”, “Otello, Vlora's Arapy” and “Comgard”.

Roman “I am Mysliman”, recently published, has attracted extensive attention to readers and criticism, selling thousands of copies within a few months and promoting discussions and controversy in public opinion.

During the awards-sharing ceremony, Blushi said his last book has brought him not a few clashes and debates, but stressed that the work should be seen as literature and not as a manifesto or political treaty.

“I am Mysliman” relates the story of an atheist writer who, in the face of pressure from the Islamic community in the neighborhood where he lives, decides to convert to Muslims, opening a broad debate on individual freedom, identity and the report between the individual and the community. /Periscope/