The Nero Book Awards 2024 have unveiled their winners, celebrating outstanding literary achievements in the UK and Ireland. This year’s awards recognized four exceptional authors across various categories, highlighting the diversity and richness of contemporary literature.
Key Takeaways
- Best Debut Fiction: Colin Barrett for Wild Houses
- Best Fiction: Adam S. Leslie for Lost in the Garden
- Best Non-Fiction: Sophie Elmhirst for Maurice and Maralyn
- Best Children’s Fiction: Liz Hyder for The Twelve
Overview of The Nero Book Awards
The Nero Book Awards, now in their second year, were established by Caffè Nero following the discontinuation of the Costa Book Awards in June 2022. The awards aim to guide readers of all ages towards the most outstanding books and authors of the year. Each winner receives a cash prize of £5,000 and is in contention for the prestigious £30,000 Nero Gold prize, which will be awarded to the overall book of the year.
Winners of The Nero Book Awards 2024
The winners of the 2024 awards are:
- Best Debut Fiction: Wild Houses by Colin Barrett
- Best Fiction: Lost in the Garden by Adam S. Leslie
- Best Non-Fiction: Maurice and Maralyn: An Extraordinary True Story of Shipwreck, Survival and Love by Sophie Elmhirst
- Best Children’s Fiction: The Twelve by Liz Hyder
Judges and Selection Process
The judging panel, chaired by renowned author Bill Bryson, comprised literary experts who reviewed hundreds of submissions to select the winners. The panel aimed to recognize works that not only showcase exceptional writing but also resonate with readers across different genres.
Looking Ahead
The overall winner of the Nero Gold prize will be announced at a ceremony in London on March 5, 2025. Last year’s winner was Paul Murray for The Bee Sting, which also won the fiction category. The anticipation for this year’s ceremony is high, as readers and authors alike await the announcement of the top honor in British and Irish literature.
The Nero Book Awards continue to shine a spotlight on literary talent, encouraging readers to explore new voices and stories that enrich the literary landscape.
