Readings announces 2021 New Australian Fiction Prize shortlist

Readings has announced the shortlist for its 2021 New Australian Fiction Prize.

The shortlisted titles are:

• New Animal (Ella Baxter, A&U)
• She is Haunted (Paige Clark, A&U)
• Echolalia (Briohny Doyle, Vintage)
• Lucky’s (Andrew Pippos, Picador)
• Song of the Crocodile (Nardi Simpson, Hachette)
• Born Into This (Adam Thompson, UQP).

This year’s shortlist was judged Readings Doncaster manager Kate McIntosh, Readings Hawthorn book buyer Danielle Mirabella, Readings Monthly editor Jackie Tang and digital content manager Jess Strong. Readings managing director Mark Rubbo and 2020 Readings Prize winner Elizabeth Tan will join the panel to select the winner.

In the judges report McIntosh said: ‘These six books cover many aspects of Australian life, from our past, to our present and even what it might look like in the future. They all do it in their own individual way, and we found ourselves challenged, delighted, and intrigued by their unique visions.’

The award, now in its eighth year, recognises ‘exciting and exceptional new contributions to local literature’ and is open to first or second published works of fiction by Australian authors. It offers $3000 in prize money.

The winner will be announced in mid-October.

Category: Awards Local news