Four first-time nominees are among the six talented writers shortlisted for the 2024 Miles Franklin Literary Award. They are joined by former winner Alexis Wright and twice shortlisted author Gregory Day.
Announced today by Perpetual as Trustee, alongside Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, the 2024 shortlist is:
- Only Sound Remains by Hossein Asgari (Puncher & Wattmann)
- Wall by Jen Craig (Puncher & Wattmann)
- Anam by André Dao (Hamish Hamilton, Penguin Random House)
- The Bell of the World by Gregory Day (Transit Lounge)
- Hospital by Sanya Rushdi (Giramondo Publishing)
- Praiseworthy by Alexis Wright (Giramondo Publishing)
According to the judges, “This has been an extraordinary year for the Miles Franklin Award. The judges have been awed by the ambitious sweep and range of the novels. The writers have distinguished themselves with their experimentation with techniques, forms, and narrative styles. The six books on the shortlist hold a mirror to the expressions and excitements of contemporary Australian writing. They chronicle significant happenings, connect intimately with the multifarious denizens across Australia, and make us part of a global tapestry of interconnected imaginations. They reveal hidden genealogies of arrival and take us on journeys of discoveries to places left behind, both physical and philosophical, explore the innermost workings of our psyche, and interrogate accepted mores of society. There is an emphasis on listening, and the way we, the reading public, are called upon to ethically engage with the sounds and syllables of our times. Each of these novels crafts its own distinct world and demands our utmost attention.”
The 2024 judging panel comprises Richard Neville, Mitchell Librarian of the State Library of NSW and Chair; literary scholar, A/Prof Jumana Bayeh; literary scholar and translator, Dr Mridula Nath Chakraborty; book critic, Dr James Ley; and author and literary scholar, Prof Hsu-Ming Teo.
All the shortlisted authors receive $5,000 each from the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.
Copyright Agency’s CEO, Josephine Johnston, said, “Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund is thrilled to support the Miles Franklin Literary Award shortlist, which once again showcases the incredible literary talent we have in Australia. With a diverse offering of genre and literary style, and authors emerging and established, the shortlist takes readers on a journey of cultural expression and experience – something we all must treasure. Congratulations to all the shortlisted writers!”
The 2024 winner, announced on 1 August 2024, will receive $60,000.
View this year's shortlisted authors videos to hear what motivated them to write their novels.