Brett wins French literary award

5 November 2014 Books+Publishing

Australian author Lily Brett has become the first Australian to win the French literary award Prix Medicis Etranger.

The award, which is given to the author of a work that has been translated into French, was presented for Brett’s 2013 novel Lola Bensky (Hamish Hamilton). Previous winners include Milan Kundera, Philip Roth, Dave Eggers and Orhan Pamuk.

Brett told the Age she was ‘ecstatic to be on the shortlist’. ‘One of the wonderful things for me is that it’s coming on the heels of Richard Flanagan winning the Booker. I have often thought there’s something about growing up in Australia and being educated in Australia that gives you room to think. And learn to have an imagination.’

Australian author Evie Wyld was also nominated for the award for her novel All the Birds, Singing (Vintage).

The award does not carry any prize money. For more information, visit the website here.

Category: Local news