Washington wins 2020 Dylan Thomas Prize

In the UK, US author Bryan Washington has won the 2020 International Dylan Thomas Prize for his debut short story collection, Lot (Atlantic).

Swansea University professor and judging panel chair Dai Smith said Lot— which explores the community and family life of marginalised citizens living in Houston, Texas—‘does what all great fiction does, finds a style that can open up a world that is otherwise unknowable and he does it with wit and grace’.

‘It is a real voice, unique, unforgettable, generous, and warm and one which provides us with a sense of community and the full experience of life,’ said Smith. ‘As one of the judges said, he has a country and western kickass voice.’

Established in 2006, the £30,000 (A$56,800) International Dylan Thomas Prize is awarded to the best literary work in the English language written by an author under 40, and is administered by Swansea University.

Washington was chosen from a shortlist of six, announced last month. Last year’s winner was British-Sri Lankan writer Guy Gunaratne, for his debut novel In Our Mad and Furious City (Tinder).

Category: International news