Six books have been shortlisted for the 2021 ACT Book of the Year, which recognises quality contemporary literary works by ACT-based authors.
A total of 21 eligible books were nominated for the 2021 award representing a diverse range of genres being developed in the ACT including fiction, non-fiction, history, biography, short stories, children’s books and poetry.
2021 ACT Book of the Year Shortlist:
- Oil Under Troubled Water by Bernard Collaery
- Utterly by Dr PS Cottier
- Spinoza’s Overcoat by Subhash Jaireth
- Nigh by Dr Penelope Layland
- The Trials of Portnoy by Dr Patrick Mullins
- Doggerland by Moya Pacey
Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne congratulated the shortlisted authors for the 2021 ACT Book of the Year.
“Again the standard has been high this year and it’s wonderful to see a such a diverse list – reflecting the strength of our local craft.
“These distinguished authors have made a significant contribution to arts and culture here in the ACT, and the ACT Government is proud to recognise their work through this award. I want to thank and encourage all local authors, emerging and established, to continue their valuable work in writing and storytelling.”
The winner of the 2021 ACT Book of the Year will be announced on 29 September 2022.
Nominations for the 2022 ACT Book of the Year open on Monday 19 September. Go to the artsACT website
