‘All That’s Left Unsaid’ wins 2023 MUD Literary Prize

Tracey Lien’s novel All That’s Left Unsaid (HarperCollins) has won the sixth annual MUD Literary Prize.

Presented each year for the best debut literary novel by an Australian writer, the prize is awarded by Adelaide philanthropic group MUD Literary Club. Due to a donation, the prize has doubled in monetary value this year from $5000 to $10,000.

All That’s Left Unsaid is a ‘compassionate and quick-witted, literary thriller written in an engaging style,’ said the judges. ‘The novel follows a Vietnamese-Australian woman’s investigation of her younger brother’s murder unravelling the intergenerational trauma inherited through the migrant experience.’

Lien’s book was chosen from a shortlist that also included The Furies (Mandy Beaumont, Hachette), The Silence of Water (Sharron Booth, Fremantle Press), The Islands (Emily Brugman, A&U) and A Great Hope (Jessica Stanley, Picador).

The MUD Literary Prize judging panel for 2023 comprised Adelaide Writers’ Week director Louise Adler, author Kerryn Goldsworthy, doctor Noel Grieve, author David Sly, and MUD Literary Club committee members Andrew Saies (chair), and Mandy Thomas.

Last year’s winner was Love & Virtue by Diana Reid (Ultimo).

Lien will be presented with the award at Adelaide Writers’ Week on 6 March. For more information about the prize visit the website.

Category: Awards Local news