On July 13, bestselling author Daniel Silva was honored with the inaugural Nelson DeMille Award during a packed event at the Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills. The award recognizes Silva’s significant contributions to the mystery and thriller genres. The ceremony, hosted by the Gold Coast Forum in collaboration with Theodore’s Books, brought together fans and literary figures alike.
Silva has published over 25 books, with his latest release, “An Inside Job,” which follows art restorer and spy Gabriel Allon in a thrilling narrative set at the Vatican Museums, set to be officially released on July 15. The auditorium was alive with excitement, with many attendees expressing their admiration for Silva’s entire literary collection.
The award was presented to Silva by former Congressmen Steve Israel and Peter King, both of whom spoke highly of Nelson DeMille, the late author for whom the award is named. DeMille, who passed away in September 2024, sold over 54 million copies of his novels, making him a titan in the literary world. Israel praised Silva’s works as being equally impactful, stating that both authors possess a profound narrative strength. He expressed a desire to honor DeMille’s legacy by recognizing Silva’s achievements.
Throughout the event, Silva expressed his gratitude for the recognition, calling DeMille a remarkable individual who had inspired him. He took part in an engaging Q&A session, sharing insights about his writing process, which he humorously described as him lying on the floor, drafting his stories with a No. 2 pencil on yellow legal pads. He also acknowledged his journey as a writer, noting that Gabriel Allon was originally meant for just four novels and has since become a beloved character who continues to resonate with readers.
Silva, when asked about his early influences, highlighted the impact of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” proudly mentioning his signed copy of the book. This blend of reverence for literary influences and the celebration of his own achievements captured the spirit of the evening.
This event marks the second stop of Silva’s promotional tour for “An Inside Job,” underscoring his dedication both to his fans and the literary community. Silva’s humility in accepting the DeMille Award reflects his respect for the craft of writing and its influential figures, making it a night to remember for all those in attendance.