Do you have the Premio Strega books?
'Strega' — STRE-ga. Two syllables. Means 'witch'.
Use when looking for Italy's most prestigious literary prize books. The Premio Strega shortlist is announced each spring — bookshops prominently display the nominees. Asking shows knowledge of Italian literary culture.
Il Premio Strega is Italy's most prestigious literary prize, awarded annually in July since 1947. Named after the 'Strega' liqueur (whose producer sponsors the prize). Previous winners: Elsa Morante, Primo Levi, Giorgio Bassani, Elena Ferrante (with a pseudonym). The shortlist drives significant book sales.
Chi ha vinto lo Strega quest'anno?
Who won the Strega this year?
Asks about the current winner.
Avete la cinquina finalista dello Strega?
Do you have the Strega shortlist of five?
'Cinquina' = group of five — the shortlist.
Avete altri premi letterari italiani?
Do you have other Italian literary prize books?
Asks about other prizes.
The Premio Strega ceremony is held annually in July in the gardens of Villa Giulia in Rome — a glamorous literary event broadcast on TV. The prize guarantees national attention and significant sales for the winner. Italian literary prizes (also: Premio Campiello, Premio Viareggio, Premio Campiello) are taken seriously as cultural barometers.