Commonwealth Writers’ Prize Opens New Chapter for 14 Authors in Africa

Internationally recognised for propelling authors into the literary spotlight, the shortlist for the regional winners from Africa has been unveiled in the race to win the influential 2010 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.

The shortlisted writers for Africa’s Best Book are:

Trespass by Dawn Garisch (South Africa)
The Double Crown by Marié Heese (South Africa)
The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria)
Eyo by Abidemi Sanusi (Nigeria)
Tsamma Season by Rosemund Handler (South Africa)
Refuge by Andrew Brown (South Africa)
Kings of the Water by Mark Behr (South Africa)

The shortlisted writers for Africa’s Best First Book are:

I Do Not Come to You by Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani (Nigeria)
The Shape of Him by Gill Schierhout (South Africa)
The Shadow of a Smile by Kachi Ozumba (Nigeria)
Come Sunday by Isla Morley (South Africa)
Sleepers Wake by Alistair Morgan (South Africa)
Jelly Dog Days by Erica Emdon (South Africa)
Harmattan Rain by Aysha Harunna Attah (Ghana)

The critically acclaimed Commonwealth Writers’ Prize is in its 24th year and has a strong track record of discovering new international stars. The final programme, starting on 7 April in Delhi, India will bring together the finalists from the different regions of the Commonwealth, and the two overall winners will be announced there on 12 April.

Commenting today, the Director of the Commonwealth Foundation, Mark Collins, said: “The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize is distinct and unique in that the books that win often have strong insight, spirit and voice about the incredible diversity, history and society of the Commonwealth. The Prize aims to reward the best of Commonwealth fiction written in English and in doing so, spots rising talent and creates new literary figures from the Commonwealth. This is the Prize to watch for tomorrow’s best-sellers.” David Clarke, Chairman of the Macquarie Group Foundation, the main sponsor of the Prize, added:

“The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize is unique in giving a voice to authors who throw light on evolving social realities. The Macquarie Group Foundation is delighted to be part of recognising literary talent from around the world and to help support emerging writers.”

Dan Ojwang, regional judge for Africa said:

“One of the most remarkable aspects of the entries was the high number that concentrated on stories of human trafficking, child abuse, sexuality, immigration and growing up under conditions of political repression such as apartheid. Given the exceptional depth and variety of books submitted for the competition, the panel is convinced that African stories continue to be told in ways that are likely to evoke empathy and enable readers to grasp the others’ humanity.”