Among the other contenders for the prize are Ma Jian, Ismail Kadare, Linn Ullmann and Sjon. The shortlist will be revealed on 1st April, and the overall winner will be announced 14th May.

The novel, published by Harvill Secker, got excellent reviews on its publication in the UK last year, among others by Paul Binding in the Independent, who in wrote: "Brilliant and subtle… What matters is Solstad’s dedicated application to the mysteries of human conduct and relations that his town treasurer illustrates". It was also named the fourth best book of 2008 by the Irish Times.

Solstad’s SHYNESS AND DIGNITY was shortlisted for the same prize in 2007.