In 1982 Soviet-controlled Poland – a time and place of suspicion and mistrust – when geopolitical forces and violent men descend upon her little town of Zygmuntowo, Emilia must decide if she’s willing to risk prison or worse for self-respect and for her unexpected love.

On April 10, 2025, PEN America was honored to announce the Finalists for the 2025 Literary Awards, and Sunbury Press author Karol Lagodzki has officially been named a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel for his novel Controlled Conversations. This specific award, according to PEN America’s website, is awarded “to a debut novel of exceptional literary merit by an American author,” and judges Lauren Acampora, Allegra Goodman, and Akhil Sharma named Lagodzki’s novel as one of five finalists.

“I think it’s insane that a small book from a small press would be shortlisted alongside much bigger books from much bigger big five presses. By insane, I mean amazing. It’s fantastic. It definitely validates my ego, and it feels great,” states Lagodzki. “At the same time, I hope that by the virtue of the book maybe getting some more publicity, it’ll get read more. And not just because that means that people will buy more books, but also because I hope it will give more readers a chance to maybe get some hope in a time that might not be all that hopeful.”

Lagodzki explains that, even if the book does not necessarily have a happy ending, “it has an open ending. It has an ending that I think allows for improvement. And I think we all still have an opportunity to improve and to develop into a more positive direction.”

The winner of the award will be announced live at the 2025 PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony, held at The Town Hall in New York City on May 8, and we are wishing Lagodzki the best of luck!

Keep an eye out for a full author feature about Karol Lagodzki coming soon!