18.11.20
The Australian Society of Authors (ASA), Trustee of the Barbara Jefferis Fund, is delighted to announce the winner of the 2020 Barbara Jefferis Award is Lucy Treloar for Wolfe Island.
The judges noted:
‘Set on a sinking island, in a country riven by racial violence and social inequity, this brilliant novel demonstrates that catastrophes bring out the best and worst in people, and that lawless acts are sometimes necessary in order to save ourselves. Cat’s passing reference to The Grapes of Wrath at one point is apt, for the parables contained in Kitty Hawke’s meetings during her epic journey north to the border, were reminiscent of any everyman’s journey undertaken in classic works of literature. Kitty’s later reconciliation with Hartford, Claudie, and with Alejandra offer hope for the future.
Lucy Treloar’s novel is of immense contemporary relevance about the redemptive power of female intuition, resistance and resilience.'
ASA CEO, Olivia Lanchester said, “Our warmest congratulations go to Lucy Treloar. Wolfe Island is an exceptional novel, and a powerful contribution to literature which foregrounds the lives and experiences of older women. We are honoured to be the Trustee of such an important award, and are grateful for the generosity of John Hinde who bequeathed the Fund in honour of his wife, Barbara Jefferis.”
Treloar was announced as this year’s winner in an online ceremony hosted by Bri Lee, who delivered a thought-provoking speech on the representation of women in literature.
The award received a record number of entries in 2020 and judges Dr. Robyn Sheahan-Bright, Dr. Jeremy Fisher, and Barbara Horgan judged an incredibly diverse and creative pool of talent.
The 2020 shortlist included:
The winner announcement took place at an online ceremony on Wednesday 18
November 2020 at 4pm AEDT on Youtube, hosted by award-winning author Bri Lee.
Watch it here.
Keep up-to-date with ASA advocacy, support and advice
with our fortnightly newsletter.
