For the fifth year in a row, I’ve been involved in judging the McKitterick Prize, which is administered by the Society of Authors, the UK’s trade union for writers, and awarded to a first novel, published or unpublished, by a writer over 40. This was my second time judging the published submissions (rather than the unpublished manuscripts). Today the shortlists for all of the Society of Authors Awards have been announced, so I can share our finalists below.
- Camilla Barnes for The Usual Desire to Kill (Simon & Schuster, Scribner UK)
- Vijay Khurana for The Passenger Seat (Peninsula Press)
- Claire Lynch for A Family Matter (Vintage, Chatto & Windus)
- Sanam Mahloudji for The Persians (4th Estate, HarperCollins)
- Miranda Moore for A Beautiful, Terrible Thing (David Fickling Books)
- Patrick Ryan for Buckeye (Bloomsbury Publishing)
My three fellow judges and I were all asked for 50-word blurbs about the shortlist as a whole. I’m honoured that my overall blurb was chosen to accompany the McKitterick rundown in the press release:
“There’s a fine line between life and death, and the question of whether love can bridge the two is at the crux of these exceptional novels, which feature vibrant styles, powerful themes, and essential voices. No matter how dark things get, readers are in safe hands with such accomplished authors.”
The winner and runner-up will be announced in advance of the SoA Awards ceremony in London on 18 June. I haven’t decided whether to go in person again or watch the livestream. Last year’s afternoon tea for the judges and shortlistees was of a very high standard indeed, and it’s always tempting to pay homage to Southwark Cathedral’s resident cat, Hodge…
Bookish Beck = Rebecca Foster. American transplant to England. Freelance proofreader and book reviewer.
Bookish Beck 
Hit your link to Hodge….didn’t know the previous incumbent was called Doorkins Magnificat, that’s amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, there was a children’s picture book about her! https://uk.jkp.com/products/doorkins-the-cathedral-cat
LikeLike
So far, I’ve only read A Family Matter and The Persians. I enjoyed both, but the Lynch is staying with me as an eye-opener exposing a recent period of history which I lived through, and yet which utterly passed me by. Readable and engaging. I’d better try the rest though, before casting my vote. So glad you’re enjoying this Readathon with Responsibilities!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve had a real soft spot for the Lynch ever since I first read it last year. I was delighted that the other judges enjoyed it enough to put it through to the next round.
LikeLike
P.S. With its rural France setting, I can see The Usual Desire to Kill appealing to you most.
LikeLike
Congrats! I’m most interested in The Passenger Seat, because it’s based on a real thing that happened in Canada. Will you/have you reviewed them all?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huh, how is it that I did not know that?! (Though I had worked out through various vague clues that it was set in Canada.)
I’ve contributed quotes on a few of them for the official awards booklet and will share those when I reveal our winner and runner-up. The Lynch I reviewed last year: https://bookishbeck.com/2025/06/01/may-releases-part-ii-fiction-le-blevennec-lynch-puchner-stanley-ullmann-and-wald/
I don’t expect I’ll review the others in full.
LikeLike
I’ve only read Buckeye which I loved but A Family Matter is making its way up my pile. Looking forward to seeing who bags the prize. You can’t possibly miss another chance to stroke Hodge!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do hope you enjoy the Lynch. It’s gotten some other prize attention, too (the Nero Gold Prize).
With travel to London costing over £40, I feel I have to pick and choose my opportunities. I’ll see if any of my fellow judges plan to go. It would also be good to know in advance if any of our nominees will be there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
P.S. Last time Hodge was rather aloof, accepting worship from afar but not inviting any cuddles!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d definitely want a cuddle at £40 a rail ticket!
LikeLike