History
'The Folio Prize is the first major English language book prize open to writers from around the world. Its aim is simple: to celebrate the best fiction of our time, regardless of form or genre, and to bring it to the attention of as many readers as possible.
'Two principal characteristics define it. First, it is a global prize for fiction written in English; any work of fiction published in the UK in a given year is eligible, regardless of the author’s country of origin.
'Second, the process by which books are selected, considered and finally rewarded is governed by an Academy of writers and critics, who are independent from the founders, sponsors and administrators of the Prize.'
Source: The Folio Prize.
Latest Winners / Recipients
-
Year: 2023
winner y
Scary Monsters
Crows Nest
:
Allen and Unwin
,
2021
22584565
2021
single work
novel
'From the twice-winner of the Miles Franklin Award, Scary Monsters is an affecting, profound and darkly funny exploration into racism, misogyny and ageism.
''When my family emigrated it felt as if we'd been stood on our heads.'
'Michelle de Kretser's electrifying take on scary monsters turns the novel upside down - just as migration has upended her characters' lives.
'Lili's family migrated to Australia from Asia when she was a teenager. Now, in the 1980s, she's teaching in the south of France. She makes friends, observes the treatment handed out to North African immigrants and is creeped out by her downstairs neighbour. All the while, Lili is striving to be A Bold, Intelligent Woman like Simone de Beauvoir.
'Lyle works for a sinister government department in near-future Australia. An Asian migrant, he fears repatriation and embraces 'Australian values'. He's also preoccupied by his ambitious wife, his wayward children and his strong-minded elderly mother. Islam has been banned in the country, the air is smoky from a Permanent Fire Zone, and one pandemic has already run its course.
'Three scary monsters - racism, misogyny and ageism - roam through this mesmerising novel. Its reversible format enacts the disorientation that migrants experience when changing countries changes the story of their lives. With this suspenseful, funny and profound book, Michelle de Kretser has made something thrilling and new.
''Which comes first, the future or the past?'' (Publication summary)
