The 2021 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlists capture the full diversity and range of Australia’s vibrant literary sector and could not help but pay tribute to Andrew Pippos’ debut novel “Lucky’s”.
The novel, which had also been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Literary Awards in June, centres around the character of Lucky, a second-generation Chicago-born clarinet-playing Greek man who finds himself in Australia in the 50s.
The shortlists were announced on Friday by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher.
READ MORE: “Lucky’s”: A must-read saga by Greek Australian author Andrew Pippos
The Awards acknowledge the significant contribution literature, history and poetry have in connecting us to Australian voices and our story as a nation.
Mr Morrison said this year’s shortlists celebrated Australia’s talented literary sector in a year when so many Australians turned to reading.
“Australia’s storytellers and historians have provided a place for reflection as we have faced the ongoing challenges of the pandemic,” Mr Morrison said.
“That’s the power of our literature and the stories being told. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted, and thank you to the judges.”
Minister Fletcher said the 2021 shortlists highlight the exceptional talent of Australian writers.
“This year’s shortlists have captured diverse voices that make up Australia’s talented literary community,” Minister Fletcher said.
READ MORE: Miles Franklin Literary Award names Andrew Pippos’ novel as a finalist
“Our writers, poets, historians and illustrators have continued to produce works of literary excellence, making the judging for this year’s shortlist incredibly difficult. We received more than 470 entries, and our judges had the difficult task of selecting 30 books.
“Congratulations to the shortlisted authors and thank you to the judges for their expertise and commitment.”
Mr Pippos had told Neos Kosmos that “Lucky’s” is a work “about people chasing the life they most want -an artistic life, love, family, or healing”.
The novel was inspired by his own upbringing in his yiayia’s café in Bernawinna, learning about his heritage, the island of Ithaca and listening to migration stories.
Eight years in the making, the novel evolved with him until it found its final form and was published towards the end of 2020.
For more information on the shortlists, visit: www.arts.gov.au/pm-literary-awards/current-awards
