Followers of our Twitter feed, facebook page or website will by now be well aware of our excitement at Wednesday’s announcement that Sara Allerton’s debut novel Making Shore has won the 2011 People’s Book Prize for fiction.
Making Shore
Inspired by the true-life experiences of 88-year-old former merchant seaman Brian Clarke, Making Shore has captured the imagination of an extraordinary range of readers, from literary fiction enthusiasts to fans of war stories, page-turning suspense thrillers, and romantic fiction. No one, it seems, can read it without shedding a tear: as Costa Awards judge Mark Thornton commented, ‘It packs an enormous emotional wallop’.
The awards were presented by patron and eminent novelist Frederick Forsyth at the home of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, the historic heart (since the 16th century) of London’s publishing industry. The oak-panelled Stationers Hall, rebuilt just after the Great Fire of London and situated near St Paul’s Cathedral, is laden with heraldic shields, symbols and portraits, and features stained glass windows depicting Caxton, Shakespeare and St Cecilia, the patron saint of music. It is not only a beautiful and lavishly adorned building, but a suitably grand and imposing setting for a literary occasion.
Stationers Hall - entrance
After a celebration dinner, opening speeches and an award for Special Achievement made to Libby Coleman and Nick Ainley for their work in promoting adult literacy, the top three from the twelve novelist finalists present were called to approach the podium. Sara waited on the stage with her two fellow contenders in a tense, Strictly-style countdown while Frederick Forsyth spoke about his own experiences and the importance of fostering new writing talent.
Waiting...
At last, the envelope was opened, and the awardwas announced. Sara, appearing somewhat stunned, quickly composed herself and made a very short and gracious speech, dedicating her award to Brian Clarke and thanking her publisher (thank you, in return, Sara!) She was congratulated by runner-up Lorraine Jenkin. Subsequently, environmental lawyer Polly Higgins was recognised for her ground-breaking Eradicating Ecocide, and Henry Fisher and Morag Ramsay received awards for a children’s book and as a first-time author, respectively. Founder Tatiana Wilson rounded off the proceedings with her own speech.
The winner!
All in all, a wonderful evening was had by all!
Making Shore is also available for Kindle (Amazon UK, Amazon USA)
Award winners - & founder Tatiana Wilson, centre
