Ulf Peter Hallberg Receives Övralidspriset for Infectious Passion

Ulf Peter Hallberg, a writer and translator known for his decades in self-imposed exile in Berlin, has been awarded this year's Övralidspriset. The award jury's Martin Kylhammar praised Hallberg's infectious enthusiasm for finding meaning in human endeavors and the happy undertone in his writing.

Hallberg, often found traveling between Ukraine and New York when not in Berlin, is recognizable by his slightly disheveled appearance, a charming smile, and his constant companions: two heavy suitcases with faulty wheels and a large black sports bag. These are mostly filled with books, as Hallberg cannot manage without them. Despite his skepticism towards technology, he also carries a tablet containing his digital library.

His nomadic lifestyle and deep connection to physical books, even while carrying a digital archive, highlight a unique blend of old-world charm and modern necessity. Hallberg's dedication to his craft and his passion for literature continue to resonate, earning him this prestigious recognition.