Author Will Kostakis has won the young adult literature award at the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.
The Greek Australian writer received his award during an event at the National Library of Australia in Canberra.
Across six categories, the awards celebrate debut authors and seasoned professionals.
Stories from cultural journeys through Gurindji Country, to post-World War II history, and from a reappraisal of the goddess of love, to discussions with some of Australia’s most accomplished media personalities – themes of culture, country, belonging and resilience cut through.
Kostakis took home the award for his latest novel ‘We Could Be Something’.
The story follows two 17-year-old Greek-Australians, Harvey, an aspiring dropout whose fathers are getting divorced, and Sotiris, an overachiever who has just released his first novel, with the pair’s stories intersecting on a street in Darlinghurst.
He is a multi-award-winning author, but this award holds a special place for Kostakis.
“We Could Be Something is a love letter to my family, and a reflection on the generation of Greek migrants we are now farewelling,” he told Neos Kosmos.
“I would not have achieved this without my Yiayia’s sacrifices and I’m so grateful I can share this moment with her.”
In a Creative Australia announcement, the judges said he the author has achieved a new level of excellence with this novel.
“Kostakis writes with authenticity and insight about a teen novelist having his ego and creative spirit crushed when his first novel falters.”
“The novel’s bittersweet conclusion avoids cliche and leaves the reader with something far more complex, realistic and lingering than a tidy ending.
“Kostakis balances the reader’s desire for satisfaction with this story’s demand for authenticity with enviable skill.
“This is a powerful novel with universal appeal, imbued with heart and wit, told with control and maturity.”
As part of the award win, he won a sum of a prize pool of $600,000.
