A novel by U.K. author, Eimear McBride, A Girl Is A Half Formed
Thing, last week Wednesday emerged the winner of the prestigious Bailey’s Women’s
Prize for Fiction beating Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah.
Ms. McBride’s first novel also topped American Pulitzer
Prize-winning novelist, Donna Tartt’s Goldfinch to win the $30,000 (N4.8
million) prize. Continue below.
Prize-winning novelist, Donna Tartt’s Goldfinch to win the $30,000 (N4.8
million) prize. Continue below.
According to U.K. Daily Mail, Ms. McBride wrote the novel
within six months in 2004.
within six months in 2004.
However, over the years, it was rejected by almost every publisher
she took it to as “too experimental.”
she took it to as “too experimental.”
Eventually, in 2013, it was published by Norwich-based (her
hometown) independent publisher, Gallery Beggar Press, who gave her a £600 advance,
before it now won her this prize.
hometown) independent publisher, Gallery Beggar Press, who gave her a £600 advance,
before it now won her this prize.
A Girl is a Half-formed Thing “tells the story of a young
woman’s relationship with her brother who is living with the after effects of a
brain tumor.”
woman’s relationship with her brother who is living with the after effects of a
brain tumor.”
The chairperson of the Women’s Prize for Fiction judging panel,
Helen Fraser, called the novel “an amazing and ambitious first novel.” “This is
an extraordinary new voice – this novel will move and astonish the reader,” she
said. Big congrats to her.
Helen Fraser, called the novel “an amazing and ambitious first novel.” “This is
an extraordinary new voice – this novel will move and astonish the reader,” she
said. Big congrats to her.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
