Women and debut novelists dominate 2015 Miles Franklin longlist

The 2015 Miles Franklin Literary Award longlist has been released, with this year’s nominees showing a changing of the guard in contemporary literature. Three of the nominees – Suzanne McCourt, Omar Musa and Christine Piper (pictured) – are debut novelists. Previously, McCourt published a pictorial book Old Dogs: Lessons in Loving and Ageing, Musa released two poetry books and three hip hop albums, and Piper was last year’s recipient of Australian Book Review‘s Calibre Prize for an Outstanding Essay. Other names – Joan London, Favel Parrett, Craig Sherborne and Sonya Hartnett – are familiar to long- and short-lists for fiction and non-fiction writing. In a statement on behalf of the judging panel, Richard Neville, State Library of NSW Mitchell Librarian, said, “From a contemporary rap symphony and a 1950s polio clinic love affair, to the suburban father too good to be true and the spiritual journey of an Antarctic supply ship, this year’s Miles Franklin longlist showcases the extraordinary vitality and range of recent Australian fiction.” Family history, and the child’s perspective, are strong themes through the works acknowledged by the prize.

Miles Franklin Literary Award 2015 longlist

Elizabeth Harrower – In Certain Circles Sonya Hartnett – Golden Boys Sofie Laguna – The Eye of the Sheep Joan London – The Golden Age Suzanne McCourt – The Lost Child Omar Musa – Here Come the Dogs Favel Parrett – When The Night Comes Christine Piper – After Darkness Craig Sherborne – Tree Palace Inga Simpson – Nest Since 1957, the Miles Franklin Literary Award has celebrated the brightest minds in Australian literature. The 2015 shortlist will be unveiled on May 18, with the $60,000 prize awarded on June 23. In 2014, the winner was Evie Wyld for her novel All The Birds, Singing. milesfranklin.com.au