The judges of the Miles Franklin Literary Award have cut four longlisted titles and settled on a shortlist of six books, ranging from a spare, gem-like novella (sorry, ‘a slender novel’ according to the judges) through to a moving investigation into the impact of dementia.
The celebrated literary prize, which recognises novels that grapple with ‘Australian life’, is named for the author of the 1901 novel My Brilliant Career. While attitudes to Franklin herself have changed over the years, the long-running prize endures, and has played a role in the careers of many writers, from first winner Patrick White through to Peter Carey, Tim Winton, Alexis Wright, Tara June Winch, Michelle de Kretser and Jennifer Down.
