She is only the third female author to receive the award.

The novel “Whites are washed at 90” is an autobiography that deals with the author losing her mother, brother and then facing a serious illness.

Žakelj said the novel dealt with difficult subjects like illness and death, but was still dedicated to life and living.

ZAKELJ

The book was a surprise success, and has through five printings so far. Last this year it will be released in Italian.