The Readings Prize 2023 winners
This year marks the 10th anniversary of The Readings Prize, a significant milestone in the Australian book industry for this veritable tastemaker of emerging talent.
From over 100 books that were considered this year, only six could be chosen for each shortlist. Just to be on the shortlist is an incredible achievement for an emerging author. Every single author whose book made it to one of our shortlists should feel extremely proud. It’s always difficult to choose a winner, and being in the meetings with the judges for each prize, I was struck by their enthusiasm for Australian literature and their commitment to seeking out the best books in each category. There were many brilliant, engaging and wonderful books that were utterly loved and passionately fought for by the judges. They discovered incredible gems that had sometimes flown under the radar prior to shortlisting. These special books captivated our judges not only with their writing, but also their originality.
– Angela Crocombe, The Readings Prize Coordinator
Winner of The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize 2023.
The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize for the best new contribution to Australian fiction.
All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien
Nicki Levy, chair of judges: From more than 60 submissions for The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize 2023, the judges enjoyed reading wide-ranging themes of exploration and journeying through place and time. A powerful connection between writer and reader was evident across this new Australian writing, and nowhere more strongly than in the winning book, All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien.
Lien’s intention in this novel was to give readers insight into the experience of growing up Asian Australian in Cabramatta in the 1990s. All That’s Left Unsaid achieves this exceptionally well by exploring life in a community little known to most. In a story of grief, love, and friendship, Lien offers the reader a glimpse into a sister’s world as she searches for answers after her brother’s murder. The quality of writing in this novel and use of language gives voice to the often unseen.
Author Tracey Lien said of her win: Independent bookstores are the heart of Australian publishing, and it means the world to me to receive this kind of acknowledgement and support from Readings. I am beyond thrilled!
The judges of The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize 2023 are: Nicki Levy (chair of judges, Readings Carlton), Angie Tsimaras (Readings Doncaster), Rosalind McClintock (head of marketing) and Ruth McHugh-Dillon (formerly of Readings Emporium). The judging team was delighted to be joined by Readings chairman Mark Rubbo to decide on the winner. The 2023 winner receives $3,000 in prize money.
The Readings Young Adult Prize 2023 winner
The Readings Young Adult Prize for the best new contribution to Young Adult literature.
If You Could See the Sun by Ann Liang
Aurelia Orr, chair of judges: On behalf of my fellow judges, I am truly delighted to announce Ann Liang as the winner of The Readings Young Adult Prize 2023!
Choosing a winner was a difficult choice for us judges; it demanded a Herculean effort to dissect each incredible book on our shortlist and delve into the core of what we were searching for.
We were enamoured by the accessibility of all the genres that Liang has masterfully woven into her tale. Fans of contemporary romance, mystery, and fantasy will all find something to enjoy as they are swept away by our wonderful and ingenious protagonist, Alice. Original, exhilarating, and genre-defying, If You Could See the Sun breathes new life into the YA shelves. While playing with the fantastical, Alice does accentuate the invisibility many teenagers feel during the bewildering, explorative period of adolescence, and she does so with strong conviction and an even stronger heart.
Liang has the talent and imagination of an experienced author, making the fact that this is her debut all the more remarkable. She has found her calling, and it brings us such great joy to be able to celebrate her achievement, and to introduce so many readers to this gem of a book.
Author Ann Liang said of her win: I’m deeply grateful and honoured to have my debut novel recognised in such a special way! When I was a child, I would spend entire afternoons browsing through the books at Readings, and when I became a young adult myself, I would daydream about one day seeing my name on the shelves, so to win this year’s Readings YA Prize truly means the world to me and feels like a surreal full-circle moment.
The judges of The Readings Young Adult Prize 2023 are: Aurelia Orr (chair of judges, Readings Kids), Lucie Dess (marketing and events coordinator), Emma Janes (Readings Doncaster) and Stephanie King (Readings Emporium). The 2023 winner receives $3,000 in prize money.
The Readings Children’s Prize 2023 winner
The Readings Children’s Prize for the best new contribution to Australian children’s literature.
No Words by Maryam Master
Katey Bellew, chair of judges: My fellow judges and I were thrilled to be able to highlight the six outstanding Australian stories featured on our shortlist. There truly is a book for every young reader on the list. As such, you can imagine how difficult it was to select just one to be our winner this year!
But when all was said and done, our hearts were firmly captured by No Words. This remarkable book stands as a rare gem that not only offers readers a mirror to see themselves reflected, but also a window through which to learn more about the world. Brimming with big feelings, big laughs and a friendship trio that rivals any we’ve encountered this year, at its core No Words is a book about finding your voice. Seamlessly balancing thought-provoking themes with a playful, uplifting tone, No Words will remind you that everyone has a story to tell. And Aria, the boy who doesn’t speak, has one of the greatest stories of all.
We’re certain this book will capture your hearts, just as it did ours.
Author Maryam Master said of her win: You don’t have to be from Melbourne to know that Readings is an iconic literary institution. I’ve been guided by their recommended reading list for years, so to win the Children’s Prize is truly the greatest honour. Thank you Readings for this wonderful recognition and for always championing Australian authors. I am over the moon!
The judges of The Readings Children’s Prize 2023 are: Katey Bellew (chair of judges, Readings Kids), Janine Larson (Readings Kids), and Kate McIntosh (manager of Readings Emporium). The 2023 winner receives $3,000 in prize money.