Author Emily Bitto has won the 2015 Stella Prize for her debut novel “The Strays.” The prize includes a $50,000 purse.
The prize is open to works of both fiction and nonfiction by Australian women. The award was announced at a in ceremony in Melbourne on Tuesday.
“Emily Bitto’s debut novel The Strays is about families, art, isolation, class, childhood, friendship, and the power of the past. It’s both moving and sophisticated; both well researched and original; both intellectually engaging and emotionally gripping …,” stated Kerryn Goldsworthy, chair of the 2015 Stella Prize judging panel.
“As a debut novelist, I cannot even begin to quantify the benefits this award will bring. I am incredibly grateful to the Stella board, the judging panel, and the generous donors who have contributed the prize money,” stated Bitto of her win. “In its three years of existence, the Stella Prize has had a huge impact on the Australian literary landscape and has initiated a vital dialogue about gender within the public domain.”