...The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer (the winner of the First Novel category).
Kate Atkinson was heavily tipped to win for Life After Life, but she has been beaten by the debut novelist whose book "tells the story of Matthew and Simon, two brothers who are separated yet united by a tragic accident. Exploring themes of loss, grief and mental illness, this extraordinary novel transports the reader directly into the mind of Matthew and his slow descent into madness as he confronts his role in the boyhood death of his older brother ten years earlier."
"Hilarious and heartbreaking", "a stunning debut", "engaging, funny and inventive".
Congratulations to Nathan Filer.
Indeed. Many congrats to him. I've not read the book but csn pretend I'm not a bit disappointed!
Posted by: Adele Geras | 28 January 2014 at 08:48 PM
It must really be something special to have beaten Life After Life, but how marvellous to win the overall award with your first novel!
Posted by: Cornflower | 28 January 2014 at 08:50 PM
Can I whisper that I'm glad it won over Life After Life?! It's gone straight onto my wishlist.
Posted by: Claire | 29 January 2014 at 08:18 AM
You may, Claire!
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 January 2014 at 09:53 AM
Sorry and I know you weren't correcting me! May I whisper.....!
Posted by: Claire | 29 January 2014 at 10:11 AM
But didn't Kate Atkinson win the overall prize when it was the Whitbread with her first novel too? That seems to have been left out of the press reports I've read.
I'm disappointed for her she didn't win, but for us - it's still a wonderful book.
Posted by: Victoria Corby | 29 January 2014 at 12:17 PM
Oh, no! Not at all!
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 January 2014 at 07:58 PM
Yes, you're right about her winning the prize with her first book, Victoria.
Good luck to Nathan Filer, and let's hope this award sets him on as successful a path as Kate Atkinson treads.
Posted by: Cornflower | 29 January 2014 at 08:02 PM