Julia Armfield and Jon Ransom recognized for their novels exploring water and the sea in this year’s Polari prizes.
Julia Armfield and Jon Ransom have emerged as the winners of the prestigious Polari prizes, which celebrate LGBTQ+ literature. Armfield’s novel “Our Wives Under the Sea” took home the overall prize, while Ransom’s “The Whale Tattoo” won the Polari first book prize. Both novels delve into the themes of water and the sea, offering unique perspectives on LGBTQ+ experiences. The awards were presented at a ceremony at the British Library, with judges praising the winners for pushing the boundaries of queer writing.
1: Exploring Memories and Longing in “The Whale Tattoo”
Jon Ransom’s “The Whale Tattoo” follows the protagonist, Joe Gunner, as he returns to his fishing town in Norfolk and grapples with difficult memories. The novel beautifully captures the essence of salt air and the yearning for connection. Judge Adam Zmith commended Ransom for his evocative descriptions and ability to transport readers to unfamiliar yet relatable worlds. The book was a standout among the shortlisted titles, which included works by Travis Alabanza, Livia Kojo Alour, Tom Crewe, Edward Enninful, and Jill Nalder.
2: “Our Wives Under the Sea”: A Strange and Thrilling Exploration
Julia Armfield’s “Our Wives Under the Sea” takes readers on a journey with Leah, who returns from a disastrous deep-sea dive, and her wife, Miri, who struggles to understand the changes Leah underwent underwater. Judge Joelle Taylor hailed the novel as a groundbreaking work that expands the possibilities of queer writing. Armfield’s book stood out among the other shortlisted titles, including works by Seán Hewitt, Okechukwu Nzelu, Jack Parlett, Douglas Stuart, and Sophie Ward.
3: Pushing Boundaries and Redefining LGBTQ+ Literature
Both Armfield and Ransom’s novels were lauded for their ability to entertain, provoke thought, and transport readers to new worlds. The Polari prizes celebrate works that challenge and expand our understanding of LGBTQ+ literature. The judges, led by Paul Burston, emphasized the promise shown by these winning authors and expressed excitement for their future works.
Conclusion:
The Polari prizes have once again highlighted the rich and diverse landscape of LGBTQ+ literature. Julia Armfield and Jon Ransom’s novels, “Our Wives Under the Sea” and “The Whale Tattoo,” respectively, have captivated readers with their exploration of water, memories, and longing. These works push the boundaries of queer writing, inviting readers to consider new possibilities and perspectives. As the winners of this year’s Polari prizes, Armfield and Ransom have cemented their place in the LGBTQ+ literary canon and left us eagerly anticipating their future endeavors.
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