Gaynor Arnold receives third prize nomination

Gaynor Arnold

Dickens-themed novel impresses judging panels

9 April 2009

Gaynor Arnold, the Birmingham social worker who was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2008 for Girl in a Blue Dress, has had her third prize nomination.  

The novel, which is a retelling of Charles Dickens's life from the viewpoint of his estranged wife, Catherine, has just been longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize, only weeks after finding itself on the longlist for the Orange Prize for Fiction. Girl in a Blue Dress is Gaynor Arnold's first novel.

Alan Mahar, Publishing Director for Tindal Street Press said,

‘This is Gaynor's third prize-listing for her Dickens-themed debut novel, following her longlisting for the Man Booker 2008 and her recent long listing for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2009. This is yet another vote of support for a tremendous first novel, which has been gradually gathering national popularity and critical appreciation.'

Now in its second year, the Desmond Elliott Prize is an annual award for a first novel written in English and published in the UK. The prize is named after the literary agent and publisher, Desmond Elliott, and its three judges look for novels which have a compelling narrative, arresting character, and which are both vividly written and confidently realised. The shortlist of three novels will be announced on the 26th May, and the prize-giving will take place in June.

Desmond Elliott Prize 

Orange Prize for Fiction

The Man Booker Prize Fiction at its finest