Some of the finest writing this year is showcased in the shortlist for the
Kibble Literary Award for established authors and the Dobbie Literary Award for a debut published author, both just announced. The shortlisted authors for the Dobbie, which carries a $30,000 prize are: Sophie Cunningham for Warning: The Story of Cyclone Tracy (Text Publishing), Helen Garner, This House of Grief (Text Publishing) and Joan London (left), The Golden Age (Vintage Australia). The shortlist for the Dobbie Literary Award which has a $5,000 prize are Emily Bitto The Strays (Affirm Press); Ellen van Neerven (right) for Heat and Light (University of Queensland Press) and Christine Piper After Darkness (Allen & Unwin).
Judges Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Webby said that the books shortlisted for the Kibble Award present: new insights into traumatic events and their lasting impact on Australian lives: the polio epidemic of the 1950s, Cyclone Tracy’s destruction of Darwin in 1974, Robert Farquharson’s murder of his sons on Father’s Day 2005.” She added that the “humanity, humour and literary excellence” of the three Kibble Award shortlist ensured that “each is an inspiring read.”
Both awards are open to Australian female writers for a novel or non-fiction classifiable as “life writing”. The winners will be announced on 15 July. Bitto won the 2015 Stella Prize. Both London and Christine Piper were shortlisted for the 2015 Miles Franklin with London also shortlisted for the Stella.
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