Literature Wales announced the Long List of Wales Book of the Year 2011 on Wednesday 13 April 2011. The awards, worth £10,000 to the winners, are presented to the authors of the best books of the year in English and Welsh.
The English language judges are: writer and editor Francesca Rhydderch (Chair); fiction writer and Wales Book of the Year 2009 winner Deborah Kay Davies; and author and broadcaster Jon Gower.
The list includes M. Wynn Thomas’ book In the Shadow of the Pulpit which explores the culture of Welsh Nonconformity, and In the Frame by Dai Smith which recaptures life and culture in the Valleys between 1910 to 2010. John Harrison is also long listed for his journey through South America in Cloud Road: A Journey through the Inca Heartland.
Tyler Keevil and Gladys Mary Coles are nominated for their debut novels Fireball and Clay respectively; and long listed author for both the Booker Prize and twice for the Orange Prize with earlier novels, Stevie Davies is on the list with her recent novel Into Suez. A novel by science fiction writer Alastair Reynolds, Terminal World, has also been nominated.
There are three collections of poetry on the Long List: What the Water Gave Me: Poems After Frida Kahlo by Pascale Petit, Jilted City by Patrick McGuinness and Doctor Placebo by Alan Wall.
Deborah Kay Davies, one of the English language judges said:
“We are more than happy with this year’s list: it is a strong, accomplished selection that consists of fascinating books – by turns lyrical, knowledgeable and highly imaginative.”
Peter Finch, Literature Wales Chief Executive said:
“Wales Book of the Year often causes a stir. Its eclectic, exciting and energising selection shows off some of the best writing talent Wales has. This year’s choice is no exception.”
The authors that are on the Welsh language Long List are: Tony Bianchi, Hywel Gwynfryn, Elin Haf, Jerry Hunter, William Owen, Angharad Price, Dewi Prysor, Gwyn Thomas, Ned Thomas and Gareth F. Williams. The Welsh language judges are Simon Brooks, Gerwyn Wiliams and Kate Crockett.
The Short List of three English language books and three Welsh language books will be revealed simultaneously at two special events held at Galeri Caernarfon and John Lewis’ Espresso Bar, Cardiff on Thursday 19 May 2011.
The winners of the 2011 Wales Book of the Year will be announced at a prize-giving ceremony on Thursday 7 July 2011, Cineworld, Cardiff.
For further information, contact Literature Wales: 029 2047 2266 / [email protected]
