In a major celebration for the literary world, Lucy Steeds' debut novel, The Artist, has been crowned the Waterstones Book of the Year. The captivating story, set against the sun-drenched backdrop of 1920s Provence, triumphed over a formidable shortlist to claim the prestigious title.
A Double Victory for a Debut Sensation
This accolade marks a remarkable double achievement for Steeds, as The Artist also secured the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize earlier this year. Furthermore, the novel earned a coveted spot on the longlist for the Women's Prize for Fiction, solidifying its status as a standout work from a new literary voice.
The narrative introduces readers to Joseph, an English journalist who travels to France to profile a reclusive and temperamental painter living with his quiet niece, Ettie. Joseph's plans take an unexpected turn when he finds himself becoming the artist's muse. Described by The Guardian's Christobel Kent as a "seductive combination of romance, puzzle and poetry", the book offers a profound exploration of art's true value.
Celebrating Literary Excellence Across Categories
Waterstones' head of books, Bea Carvalho, heaped praise on the winning novel, calling it a "gorgeously escapist novel which seamlessly transports the reader to the sticky heat of sun-soaked 1920s southern France." She added that Steeds is "a writer of staggering, rare talent" and celebrated the book's journey to becoming a word-of-mouth sensation amongst booksellers and readers alike.
In the children's category, the top honour was awarded to Mikey Please for The Café at the Edge of the Woods, which had previously won the Waterstones Children's Prize in March. The award for Gift of the Year went to Padella, a pasta cookbook perfect for culinary enthusiasts.
The Road to Victory and Lasting Impact
The winners were selected by a panel of Waterstones staff from a shortlist nominated by the chain's booksellers across the UK. This year's shortlist featured a diverse range of titles, including Ocean by David Attenborough and Colin Butfield, Universality by Natasha Brown, and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.
As part of their prize, the winning titles will receive the full and committed backing of Waterstones shops and booksellers nationwide, ensuring they reach a wide audience. This victory follows last year's success, where Butter by Asako Yuzuki won Book of the Year and I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery took the children's prize.
