Book Smugglers Agency

Book Smugglers Agency Smuggling wonderful books around the world.

Last week I presented ASPIC BISTRO (orig. ŠALTIENOS BISTRO) by Ieva Dumbrytė at the inaugural Book-to-Screen showcase at...
19/07/2026

Last week I presented ASPIC BISTRO (orig. ŠALTIENOS BISTRO) by Ieva Dumbrytė at the inaugural Book-to-Screen showcase at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), one of Europe’s most iconic film festivals, where producers and other industry professionals explored literary works with strong potential for adaptation.

I am delighted that the novel was selected as one of eight books from Central and Eastern Europe featured in the programme. ASPIC BISTRO follows a young history graduate struggling to find his place in the world, who takes a job at a strange bistro where social frustrations, rigid hierarchies, and love lead him into an increasingly surreal reality. Reminiscent of DELICATESSEN set inside an Eastern European kitchen, ASPIC BISTRO sparked curiosity with its dark humour, sharp social satire, and wildly chaotic world.

From receiving Lithuania’s award for the most creative book of the year to coming to the attention of international film professionals at KVIFF, ASPIC BISTRO continues its unexpected journey. I’m excited to see what happens next.

Just as summer began, I was in Kyiv, invited to participate in Book Arsenal/Книжковий Арсенал, one of Ukraine’s most imp...
14/07/2026

Just as summer began, I was in Kyiv, invited to participate in Book Arsenal/Книжковий Арсенал, one of Ukraine’s most important literary events, where I met with local publishers and took part in a panel discussion.

My visit happened to fall between two major attacks on the capital. One moment you are sitting in a meeting in a beautiful historic venue. The next, you continue the same conversation in a shelter as air raid sirens begin. Ukrainians have had to learn to live this way, and it is impossible not to feel both admiration and sadness.

Despite the challenges facing the Ukrainian publishing industry, publishers continue to find ways to adapt and create. It was meaningful to see some Lithuanian titles that I had book-smuggled into the Ukrainian book market. At the same time, back in Lithuania, there is a growing number of translations from Ukrainian, and I hope this exchange continues.

Just a quick note to share that THE STORY OF A CAT AND A TULIP has been nominated for the Gianni Rodari Award in Italy!T...
21/05/2026

Just a quick note to share that THE STORY OF A CAT AND A TULIP has been nominated for the Gianni Rodari Award in Italy!

This sensitive picture book by Evelina Daciūtė and Aušra Kiudulaitė was originally published in Lithuania by Alma littera and beautifully translated into Italian by Toma Gudelytė.

An unexpected friendship between a tulip and a cat named Rumtumtugger blossoms into a heartfelt story. Their bond fills Rumtumtugger’s life with joy, but as the seasons change, the tulip begins to wither, bringing the feeling of goodbye. This colourful and philosophical tale explores love, devotion, and loss.

Keeping my fingers crossed for the book’s further success!

Two great titles that I smuggle around the world were named Best Books of the Year last week!HOLY SMOKES, GRANDPA!, writ...
15/05/2026

Two great titles that I smuggle around the world were named Best Books of the Year last week!

HOLY SMOKES, GRANDPA!, written by Aušrinė Tilindė, illustrated by Greta Alice, and published by Alma littera, took the win in the children’s category. It’s both a funny and touching story about quiet heroes, the bond between grandfather and grandson, and a child who keeps asking questions.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, written in Australia by Viktorija Butautis and published by BALTO, won in the teen category. This is the second book in the Emma and Mars adventure series, where courage and wit lead the heroes into a mystery far greater than the legend of Captain Cook’s broken compass. What makes this even more impressive is that the first book, MYSTERY OF THE CANARY ISLANDS, achieved the same success two years ago!

Congratulations to the winners. May these books travel far and find readers in many languages. 🌍

📢 DEAL ALERTWe’ve recently signed a deal for an English edition of Kotryna Zylė's novel THE BONES OF THE BELOVED, origin...
18/11/2025

📢 DEAL ALERT

We’ve recently signed a deal for an English edition of Kotryna Zylė's novel THE BONES OF THE BELOVED, originally published by Aukso žuvys. 💀🩷

The book became an instant bestseller in Lithuania and is now being translated into seven languages, with new offers coming in after Frankfurt.

It's not so common for a Lithuanian contemporary novel to be translated into English, and in my humble opinion this is a real milestone for our literary field, especially considering the book was first published just over a year ago.

Needless to say, I am a very happy book smuggler!

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