Aminatta Forna wins C’wealth Writers’ Prize

May 22, 2011 |

Sydney

Sierra Leone’s Aminatta Forna was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Writers’ Prize 2011 for best book on Saturday for her novel The Memory of Love.
Judges praised the risk taking, elegance and breadth displayed in the African writer’s story about friendship and betrayal, describing it as “an immensely powerful portrayal of human resilience.”

At the awards ceremony in Sydney, the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for best first book was awarded to New Zealander Craig Cliff for his collection of short stories A Man Melting.
“This year’s winning books demonstrate the irreducible power of the written word at a time of rapid global change and uncertainty,” said Nicholas Hasluck, chair of the judging panel for the prize, which is now in its 25th year.
The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize is open to writers from across 54 countries. Former winners include Louis De Bernieres, Ian McEwan and Zadie Smith. —AFP

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