BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CODE has announced the books long listed for the prestigious Burt Award for Caribbean Literature and Kittitian author, Carol Ottley-Mitchell was among the six authors whose work was chosen.
This is the third year in which the Canadian NGO, CODE has administered this competition which is currently the largest literature prize in the Caribbean and which recognises outstanding writing for young adults by Caribbean authors.
Mitchell, who is the author of twelve other children’s books, submitted a manuscript entitled Barberry Hill in which a teen from St. Kitts faces some harsh realities of life.
The judges commented that the novel was “Emotionally compelling– an honest portrayal of grieving that felt true to life…well paced…kept moving nicely and kept us guessing…”. Another literary professional unconnected with the competition was “impressed by the breadth of subjects you explore in the story: whether writing about economic inequality, the sway of the church, emigration, gang violence, grief, the roots of bullying, or the lasting bonds of family.”
The other books shortlisted were The Demise of the Queen’s College Adventure Club by Imam Baksh of Guyana, De First Family by Tamika Gibson, Trinidad & Tobago, The Truth Is by Lynn Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago, The Protector’s Pledge by Danielle Y.C. McClean, Trinidad & Tobago and Girlcott by Florenz Webbe Maxwell, Bermuda.
Three winners will be shortlisted and the final winner revealed on April 29th at the 2016 NGC Bocas Lit Fest in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
For further details about Carol Ottley-Mitchell and her books visit www.caribbeanreads.com .
For further details on the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature, please visit: www.codecan.org/burt-award-caribbean or contact: info@bocaslitfest.com/Telephone: (868) 222 7099 www.bocaslitfest.com
