Dao, Morrissey and O’Grady named SMH Best Young Australian Novelists 2024

The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) has announced the Best Young Australian Novelists for 2024.

The writers and their books are:

• André Dao for Anam (Hamish Hamilton)
• John Morrissey for Firelight (Text)
• Emily O’Grady for Feast (A&U).

Now in its 28th year, the award recognises emerging writing talent and is open to writers aged 35 or younger at the time of publication of their nominated book. In 2024, each writer receive $5000, courtesy of the Copyright Agency.

Judges Ellen van Neerven, Luke Carman and Spectrum editor Melanie Kembrey praised the three winners as ‘compelling and courageous contributors to Australian literature.’

Last year’s Best Young Australian Novelists were Jay Carmichael for Marlo (Scribe), Katerina Gibson for Women I Know (Scribner) and George Haddad for Losing Face (UQP).

Category: Awards Local news