‘Still Life’ named Dymocks 2021 Book of the Year

UK author Sarah Winman’s novel Still Life (Fourth Estate) has been named Dymocks Book of the Year for 2021.

In 1944, over one night in a ruined wine cellar of a Tuscan villa, two strangers meet and share an extraordinary evening that will shape the course of their lives. ‘Moving from the Tuscan hills and piazzas of Florence, to the smog of London’s East End, Still Life is a sweeping, joyful novel about beauty, love, family and fate,’ according to the publisher.

Dymocks booksellers across Australia chose Winman’s novel from a shortlist of six. Dymocks brand and content manager Timothy Sneddon described it as a ‘transportive and engulfing story’ that ‘had me walking the streets of Florence and sat in the corner of a rundown London pub with these lovable and memorable characters’. ‘Still Life is wholly arresting with the vignettes on the page coming to life like an award-winning film.’

Dymocks category manager Kate Mayor said: ‘I am stunned at how utterly amazing this novel is! Full of the city of Florence, extraordinary friendships and loves, as well as art, music and food (all the good things in life!) and the way that lives intersect throughout a lifetime and when the times get tough, good friends will show up (in an ambulance van, no less). So skilful, so uplifting and I didn’t want it to end!’

Winman said she is ‘thrilled’ and ‘totally honoured’ to win the award, adding: ‘Moments like these can often change a book’s trajectory. As writers we like our books, ultimately, to be read. And with Dymocks’ endorsement, if my book falls into the hands of someone who normally wouldn’t read me, then that is golden. Thank you so much.’

Craig Silvey’s novel Honeybee (A&U) was the winner of last year’s Dymocks Book of the Year.

Category: Awards Local news