The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Awardprize–sponsored by the Dublin City Public Libraries and the Improved Management Productivity And Control company–may not be the most glittering literary prize, but it has something special nonetheless. The prize brings with it a purse of over $135,000.

The 2010 shortlist has been announced. The contenders are

• The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker
• The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
• In Zodiac Light by Robert Edric (not currently available in the US)
• Settlement by Christoph Hein
• The Believers by Zoë Heller
• Netherland by Joseph O’Neill
• God’s Own Country by Ross Raisin (not currently available in the US), and
• Home by Marilynne Robinson

The prize has often gone to debut authors, so there’s no clear frontrunner among the nominees. The winner will be announced June 17. Details are here.–David E