The Book of Days by Francesca Kay has been shortlisted for the Winston Graham Historical Prize as part of ‘a rich and notably diverse array of fiction set in the past’. The shortlist features ‘six captivating and vastly different historical novels set in the UK and Ireland with a powerful sense of place’.
Charlotte Hobson, chair of the panel, commented: ‘It’s excitingly varied, strange and wonderful, with some well-known names as well as two debut novelists, and takes us from the life of a medieval Gleeman right up to the big freeze of the 1960s. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our passionate and dedicated Readers’ Committee for their work in getting us to this point – their enthusiasm reminds us what sheer pleasure the best historical fiction provides. Now it’s over to us judges to make what I’m sure will be a very tough final decision.’
On behalf of Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Co-Director Bryony Robins said: ‘At the museum we all eagerly anticipate the release of the shortlist each year, as it provides us with the ultimate reading list for the summer ahead. Once again there are some really exciting pieces of contemporary writing here which reshape how we see the past – something we strive to do through our own storytelling across our galleries and collections here at the museum.’
The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges ahead of the award ceremony on 11th June.