In a remarkable celebration of literary innovation, two experimental novels have been declared joint winners of the prestigious Queen Mary small press fiction prize. The award, previously known as the Republic of Consciousness prize, saw Rebecca Gransden's Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group and Nell Osborne's Ghost Driver share the top honor during a ceremony at Queen Mary University in London.
A Shared Victory in Literary Excellence
Prize founder Neil Griffiths emphasized the collaborative spirit of the decision, stating, "Sometimes it's clear the judges can't choose between two books, and literary prizes aren't races. When two cross the line together, we don't use technology to measure in hundredths of a second – they both win." This philosophy underscores the prize's commitment to recognizing outstanding literary merit without imposing artificial hierarchies.
Exploring the Winning Works
Rebecca Gransden's novella, published by Tangerine Press, takes readers on a profound journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape. Judge Susanna Crossman described it as a "mesmerising dystopian novel" where the reader embarks on "a seismic journey with a young woman through a society demolished, where bodies rot, and geology has erupted." The narrative explores themes of survival and transformation in a world turned upside down.
Nell Osborne's Ghost Driver, published by Moist Books, offers a contrasting yet equally compelling perspective. The novel follows Malory as she navigates the unsettling terrain of modern life. Crossman noted how "the familiar becomes unfamiliar as Malory navigates, with creeping horror, office politics, body dysmorphia, drunk nights, relationships and a giant fly." Judge Stu Hennigan praised the book as a "shape-shifting gem powered by an effortlessly hip voice that crackles with restless energy," highlighting its unique narrative style.
Prize Structure and Recognition
The joint winners each receive a five-day writing retreat, while all longlisted presses are awarded £500. At the shortlist stage, each title receives an additional £1,000, with 70% allocated to the publisher and 30% to the author. This year's shortlist also featured notable works including Darryl by Jackie Ess from Divided Publishing, The First Jasmines by Saima Begum from Hajar Press, and Spit by David Brennan from époque press.
A Decade of Literary Celebration
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the prize, which has a rich history of honoring groundbreaking literature. Previous winners include John Keene's Counternarratives from Fitzcarraldo Editions and Eley Williams' Attrib. and other stories from Influx Press. Last year's winner was Gaëlle Bélem's There's a Monster Behind the Door, translated from French and published by Bullaun Press.
The judging panel for this year's prize comprised writers Susanna Crossman, Stu Hennigan, and Marina Benjamin, who collectively brought diverse perspectives to the selection process. Their decision to award two winners reflects the prize's ongoing mission to champion innovative and thought-provoking fiction from small presses.
