Birkbeck alumna shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction

Birkbeck alumna, Emma Henderson, has been shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2011, for her debut novel, Grace Williams Says it Loud.

Emma worked on the novel, whilst studying for a MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London, which she was awarded, with distinction, in 2006.  The book was published by Sceptre in June 2010, and was also shortlisted for the Wellcome Trust Book Prize.

Grace Williams Says it Loud tells the story of Grace as she grows up in mental institutions in the 1950s and 1960s and her relationship with Daniel, a fellow patient.

Emma will be reading from her novel at the Birkbeck Writers' Platform on 27 May, part of the College's annual Arts Week events.

The Orange Prize for Fiction is the UK's only annual book award for fiction written by a woman, and celebrates excellence, originality and accessibility in women's writing from throughout the world.  Previous winners include Zadie Smith and Lionel Shriver.

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on 8 June.

Read a chapter of Grace Williams says it loud.

Reviews:

Guardian (7 August 2010)

Independent (3 August 2010)

More information:

• Birkbeck’s creative writing courses
• Orange Prize for Fiction 2011 shortlist
• Birkbeck's alumni authors