‘Pulse Points’ wins 2018 Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction

Jennifer Down’s short story collection Pulse Points (Text) has won the 2018 Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction.

Pulse Points was chosen from a shortlist of six by a judging panel comprising author Tony Birch, Readings managing director Mark Rubbo, and four Readings staff members: Deborah Crabtree, Ellen Cregan, Jan Lockwood and Mark Luffman.

Of the winning book, the judges said: ‘Pulse Points is a subtle, elegant and accomplished short story collection. It stood out to the judging panel for its emotional maturity and complexity. Down’s ability to make a reader feel what her characters are feeling is remarkable. As well as being impressed by Down’s masterful use of emotion in her writing, the judging panel also appreciated the great attention to detail throughout the book. These stories are set all around the world, with characters from all sorts of backgrounds, but every incident feels authentic—it’s clear that she researched these places and situations comprehensively.’

Down said: ‘Readings Carlton was where I used to go between classes at uni; it’s where my first book was launched; and where I still feel so much at home, so this feels extraordinarily special. I’m very grateful to this year’s judges, and to Readings for championing new Australian writing in the way only an independent bookseller can.’

The $3000 prize, now in its fifth year, recognises the work of early-career Australian authors. This year’s winner was announced at an event at the recently refurbished Readings State Library Victoria shop.

Category: Awards Local news