BOOK OF THE YEAR OVERALL


T


he final panel of judges crowned the winner of Fiction: Debut Book of the Year, Shuggie Bain, as The British Book Awards’ Overall Book of the Year. They felt that Douglas Stuart’s novel was a “masterpiece” that would stand the test of time.


Judges described the novel as “immensely powerful: haunting, traumatic WINNER


Shuggie Bain Douglas Stuart PICADOR


and yet tender at the same time”, and commended Stuart’s “unapologetic and vivid” depictions of alcoholism, poverty and pain against the backdrop of 1980s Glasgow and Margaret Thatcher’s prime ministership. What also swung it Shuggie Bain’s way was the publisher’s unwavering enthusiasm and passion for the novel, with the panel praising Picador’s ability to recognise the potential and importance of this book after it was rejected by a dozen other British publishers. The judges for the overall winner were Peter Frankopan, author and


professor; Robbie Millen, literary editor of the Times; Ella Risbridger, author; Kate Skipper, chief operating officer, Waterstones; and Rhys Stephenson, CBBC presenter. The discussion was chaired by The Bookseller’s books editor, Alice O’Keeffe. Ultimately, the panel felt Shuggie Bain is a “exceptionally powerful work of fiction... without a doubt a future classic”.


THE SHORTLIST


Think Like a Monk Jay Shetty HARPERCOLLINS


The Highland Falcon Thief M G Leonard & Sam Sedgman; Elisa Paganelli MACMILLAN CHILDRENS BOOKS


Black and British: A Short, Essential History David Olusoga MACMILLAN CHILDRENS BOOKS


Hamnet  TINDER PRESS


Troubled Blood Robert Galbraith SPHERE


Skincare Caroline Hirons HQ


Diary of a Young Naturalist Dara McAnulty LITTLE TOLLER BOOKS


Where the Crawdads Sing Delia Owens CORSAIR


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