Lim wins 2022 Barbara Jefferis Award

S L Lim has won the 2022 Barbara Jefferis Award for Revenge: Murder in three parts (Transit Lounge).

The $50,000 award, which is administered by the Australian Society of Authors, is presented every two years for the ‘best novel written by an Australian author that depicts women and girls in a positive way or otherwise empowers the status of women and girls in society’. The shortlisted writers share in $5000.

Judges Toni Jordan, Peggy Frew and Declan Fry said: ‘While other books on our shortlist were also emotionally involving, particularly the books by Down, Janson and Wyld, we felt that Revenge edged ahead of these due to the freshness of its setting and the relevance of its message to everyone. None of us could recall reading a recent novel set in Malaysia, despite its proximity to Australia, nor one dealing with the ingrained sexism that robs girls and women of the chance to live a full life.’

‘I’m delighted to accept the Barbara Jefferis Award in honour of that author,’ said Lim. ‘Many good writers win prizes and many don’t; today I am a happy person in category A. This award makes a big difference to my life and I hope that others who need and deserve a break get theirs too!’

The winner of the 2020 award was Lucy Treloar for Wolfe Island (Picador).

Category: Awards Local news