Fremantle Press author in running for $50k literary award that celebrates positive and empowering depictions of women
Exmouth author Madelaine Dickie is one of five authors shortlisted for the 2018 Barbara Jefferis Award from the Australian Society of Authors. Her book Troppo joins Libby Angel’s The Trapeze Act, Catherine McKinnon’s Storyland, Jane Rawson’s From the Wreck and Holly Throsby’s Goodwood in being recognised as one of the best Australian novels to depict women and girls in a positive way or which otherwise empowers the status of women and girls in society.
Madelaine Dickie, who received the news while waiting to go through customs after touching down in Paris, said she was absolutely thrilled to make the shortlist.
One of Australia’s richest literary prizes, 2018 has seen a record number of entries in 2018. Of Madelaine’s novel Troppo, judges Sandra Yates AO, Peggy Frew and Dr Jeremy Fisher OAM said: ‘Escaping Perth, tough, smart surfer Penny swaggers through life in contemporary Sumatra, where we feel the heat of rising political and religious tensions’.
The award is named for highly regarded author Barbara Jefferis, a founding member and executive director of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA).
ASA CEO Juliet Rogers said: ‘The ASA is so fortunate to be the Trustee of this inspiring literary award which has been made possible by the generosity of John Hinde’s bequest (Barbara’s husband). The literary landscape is populated with many strong and eloquent women and we are delighted to celebrate the very best of them in this year’s award.’
The winner of the award will be announced on Friday 2 November 2018 at a ceremony at The Women’s College within The University of Sydney and will receive a prize of $50,000. In addition, $5,000 will be distributed among the shortlist.
More information is available at https://www.asauthors.org/news/the-australian-society-of-authors-announces-55k-barbara-jefferis-award-2018-shortlist
Troppo which won the 2014 City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award and was also shortlisted for the 2018 Dobbie Literary Award is available in all good bookstores and online.
