Read on Twitter
The @PolariPrize winners are being announced this Thursday! Being a judge for the first book prize has been a wonderful experience and the six shortlisted books are all must-reads. Here’s a little thread, celebrating these phenomenal debuts 1/7
The Confessions of Frannie Langton by @mrsjaneymac is a sumptuous, subversive gem of a novel set in 1826. We follow Frannie from her plantation childhood in Jamaica, to London and ultimately to the Old Bailey. I inhaled it in one sitting 2/7
Queer Intentions by @MillyAbraham is a unique blend of intrepid journalism and personal reflection exploring contemporary queer culture. @niven_govinden says: ‘Soooo good. The culture needs it’ and I couldn’t agree more. 3/7
Sensible Footwear: A Girls Guide by @auntiesuds is part graphic memoir, part panoramic history. It’s funny and affecting in equal measure. Months on, I keep dipping back into it. 4/7
The Private Joys of Nnenna Maloney by @NzeluWrites is a big-hearted dual timeline tale exploring the comings of age of Nnenna and her mother Joanie. It’s a tender exploration of loving and letting go that’s laugh out loud hilarious. I can’t wait to read more from this author. 5/7
Life as a Unicorn by @Glamrou is an emotional rollercoaster that had me cackling and weeping, often in the course of the same sentence. It’s a gloriously affirming account of learning to recognise, love and celebrate your true self 6/7
Tell me I’m Forgiven by @AlisonCookie is a fascinating account of the forgotten music hall stars Gwen Farrar and Norah Blaney. Seeped in 1920s period detail, it offers insight into an entirely neglected aspect of history 7/7
