Irish author Sally Rooney has been shortlisted for a major literary prize for young writers for her debut novel, Conversations with Friends.
The the Swansea University International Dylan Thomas Prize prize is worth £30,000 (€34,356) and is open to authors aged 39 or under, from all nations, writing in English.
“Being shortlisted for the Swansea University International Dylan Thomas Prize is of course a real honour for me and my work,” said Rooney (27).
"When I wrote Conversations with Friends, it was hard for me to imagine the book even finding readers – so it's a huge privilege to find it judged alongside such exciting and innovative new writing. I'm very grateful."
This year’s prize is the 10th edition of the award, which is named after Swansea-born writer Dylan Thomas. The winner will be announced on Thursday, May 10th, at a ceremony in Swansea.
The five other writers featured on the shortlist alongside Rooney are:
Zambian-born poet Kayo Chingonyi (31) for his debut collection of poetry Kumakanda.
Cuban-American short-story writer Carmen Maria Machado (31) for her debut short story collection Her Body & Other Parties.
Six-time British novelist Gwendoline Riley (39) for her novel First Love.
Debut American novelist Emily Ruskovich (31) for Idaho.
American author Gabriel Tallent (30) for his debut novel My Absolute Darling.
The nomination is the second in a week for Rooney, who was also named on the shortlist for the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award 2018.
The €15,000 for the winning author, to be announced at the opening of the Listowel Writers’ Week on May 30th, is the largest monetary prize awarded for a novel available solely for Irish writers.
