The Arts Council extends
its warmest congratulations to writers Mike McCormack and Sebastian Barry who
have been longlisted for the prestigious Man Booker prize.
Mike McCormack was
included for his novel Solar Bones described by the judges as being
'innovative without being quaint’. Solar Bones has already received the
Goldsmiths Prize and BGE Irish Book of the Year Award in 2016 for this title.
In 2015, McCormack received an Arts Council literature bursary to complete the
book, which was published by independent Irish publisher Tramp Press.
Sebastian Barry was
selected for his novel Days Without End described as ‘a tour de force of
narrative voice’ by the judges. Barry’s novel has already been awarded the
Costa Book of the Year Award in 2016.
Arts Council Director
Orlaith McBride said: “it is wonderful to see these works recognised by the
Booker judges. The nominations reflect the strength of contemporary Irish
literature and highlight its extraordinary international reputation. The
Council is also offers its congratulations to McCormack’s publisher, Tramp
Press, which it has supported in recent years – this brings much deserved
recognition to its work in supporting, nurturing and promoting Irish writers.
These nominations also underscore the importance of supporting writers and
writing in Ireland.
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