ACU lecturer’s book short-listed for Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

A biography of Thea Astley written by ACU Senior Lecturer in Literature Dr Karen Lamb has been short-listed for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Literary Awards for 2016.

Dr Lamb’s book Thea Astley: Inventing Her Own Weather is one of five books shortlisted in the non-fiction category.

Written over ten years, the biography explores both the professional and personal worlds of one of Australia’s favourite writers, Thea Astley.

The book has been critically acclaimed and short-listed for six national literary awards since it was published in 2015.

“It’s been a very busy, and very public, two years for me – but most enjoyable,” Dr Lamb said.

“This is a wonderful award nomination. Biographies can take so many years to complete, so this kind of recognition is very rewarding.”

National School of Arts Head, Associate Professor Michael Ondaatje said: “This recognition is wonderful news for Dr Lamb, wonderful news for the National School of Arts, and wonderful news for ACU. Dr Lamb has written a first-rate biography of a key literary figure, and both School and University congratulate her on a fine achievement. The humanities are ‘core business’ for us, so it is very pleasing to see one of our literature academics recognised in this way.”

Dr Lamb’s biography was one of 30 books short-listed for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards across six categories.

Now in its ninth year, the awards aim to recognize the best of Australian writing in fiction, non-fiction, Australian history, young adult fiction, children’s fiction and poetry.

Up to $100,000 is awarded in each category, with $80,000 for each winning entry and $5000 for each short-listed entry. The winners will be announced later this year.