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Joyce wins £10,000 Wilbur Smith prize for ‘Miss Benson’s Beetle’

In the UK, Rachel Joyce has won the £10,000 (A$18,900) Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize for her novel Miss Benson’s Beetle (Black Swan), reports the Bookseller.

Set in 1950, the book follows Margery Benson, who abandons her dead-end job to travel to the other side of world in search of a beetle that may or may not exist, along with her new assistant, Enid Pretty.

‘The novels competing this year have been a beacon in challenging times, all of them portraying human strength,’ said prize founder Niso Smith. ‘Miss Benson’s Beetle is a joyously humorous and deeply moving novel, which serves as a vital reminder that it’s always possible to make your life what you want it to be. Rachel’s yarn is truly magical and a life-affirming adventure.’

Australian writers Victoria Hopkins and Paul Raffaele are among the five shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Best Unpublished Manuscript award. The winner receives a publishing deal with Bonnier Books UK with an advance of £15,000 (A$28,350).

 

Category: International news