Sarah, who lives in Walpole, said, ‘Being nominated and then longlisted for this prize has been so exciting! It reminds me that literature from our south coast is going from strength to strength, with a nurturing and dynamic group of creatives who produce some amazing work. How could we not, with such an evocative landscape and rich histories?’
‘I feel honoured and thankful that the State Library of Western Australia has nominated my book. It shows that they consider our stories and publishers as world-class.'
State libraries from around the world can nominate up to three novels for the award from the state in which they were published. The Sound is based on the true story of two sealing crews who sailed with Aboriginal women and children from Bass Strait to Western Australia in 1825 on the schooners Hunter and Governor Brisbane. It's historical fiction at it's best, a fact recognised by the State Library of Western Australia who nominated Sarah for the award.
One librarian said, ‘This is an exquisitely beautifully written novel. I could smell the ocean, and feel the sea air, whilst being transported to a historical period I knew nothing about. A rare author who is able to bring historical events and people vibrantly alive. Not since Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet have I so loved a fiction book.’
The shortlist will be announced in April, with the winner announced in June.
The Sound by Sarah Drummond is published by Fremantle Press. Find out more.
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Literature