The 2024 Wales Book of the Year shortlist has been revealed, showcasing a wide range of books in English and Welsh. One of the English language picks is a story about growing up that explores friendship, relationships, and drugs, set along Sarn Helen, an old Roman road connecting the north and south of Wales.

Additionally, readers can anticipate a dark fantasy novel and a collection of poems inspired by the picturesque landscapes of the Llŷn Peninsula on the Welsh language shortlist. There are 24 books in total, with 12 in each language.

Shortlist

In the English language category, the Poetry Award features "I Think We're Alone Now" by Abigail Parry, "Cowboy" by Kandace Siobhan Walker, and "In Orbit" by Glyn Edwards. For the Creative Non-Fiction Award, contenders include "Sarn Helen" by Tom Bullough, "Birdsplaining: A Natural History" by Jasmine Donahaye, and "Spring Rain" by Marc Hamer.

In the Fiction Award category, readers can anticipate works like "Stray Dogs" by Richard John Parfitt, "The Unbroken Beauty of Rosalind Bone" by Alex McCarthy, and "Neon Roses" by Rachel Dawson. Finally, contenders for the Bute Energy Children and Young People Award include "Where the River Takes Us" by Lesley Parr, "Brilliant Black British History" by Atinuke, and "Skrimsli" by Nicola Davies.

In the Welsh language category, the Poetry Award includes "Mae Bywyd Yma" by Guto Dafydd, "Mymryn Rhyddid" by Gruffudd Owen, and "Y Traeth o Dan y Stryd" by Hywel Griffiths. For Creative Non-Fiction, contenders comprise "Cranogwen" by Jane Aaron, "Y Delyn Aur" by Malachy Owain Edwards, and "Trothwy" by Iwan Rhys.

In the Fiction Award category, readers can look forward to works like "Anfadwaith" by Llŷr Titus, "Sut i Ddofi Corryn" by Mari George, and "Raffl" by Aled Jones Williams. Finally, contenders for the Bute Energy Children and Young People Award in the Welsh language include "Jac a'r Angel" by Daf James, "Y Nendyrau" by Seran Dolma, and "Astronot yn yr Atig" by Megan Angharad Hunter.

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Ceremony Details

Literature Wales has overseen the Wales Book of the Year since 2004. The award honors Welsh writers for their outstanding literary achievements, celebrating the diversity and quality of literature. Leusa Llewelyn, artistic director of Literature Wales, praised the judges' selection, describing it as a 'feast' of literature that reflects the varied perspectives and voices within the Welsh literary landscape.

The English language panel is chaired by author Dylan Moore, alongside Patrice Lawrence and Rachel Trezise. The panel commended the breadth and depth of Welsh literary talent showcased in this year's selections.

Moore, speaking for the panel, praised the diversity of Welsh literature, noting how the books explore various settings, from Welsh valleys to Canadian streets and imaginative realms. He highlighted the authors' ability to craft worlds with words, challenging norms and sparking creativity, optimism, and bravery.

The Welsh language panel, led by Nici Beech, Hanna Jarman, Tudur Dylan Jones, and Rhiannon Marks, expressed similar sentiments regarding the richness and diversity of Welsh literature.

The ceremony is set to take place at Galeri in Caernarfon on Thursday, July 4. Galeri Chief Executive Steffan Thomas expressed excitement about hosting the ceremony for the third time, welcoming prominent Welsh writers, poets, and the public to this significant annual literary celebration. Winners will each receive £1,000. The overall winners in English and Welsh languages will receive an additional £3,000.

Readers can now cast their votes for the People's Choice Award and Barn y Bobl polls. Winners will also be honored with a Book of the Year trophy crafted by artist Angharad Pearce Jones.

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