Andrew Pippos’ novel on Greek Australian cafes named finalist in Miles Franklin Literary Award

·

The six finalists in the $60,000 Miles Franklin Literary Award 2021 were announced on Wednesday night and among them is debut Greek Australian author, Andrew Pippos, with his novel Lucky’s.

Pippos’ book was inspired by his own family story: his ancestors came out from Greece and operated a Greek-Australian cafe in the small town of Brewarrina, NSW, for more than 80 years.

He tells The Australian that being a finalist for the literary award is a “dream.”

READ MORE: Andrew Pippos’ book on Greek Australian cafes named in the prestigious Miles Franklin longlist.

Andrew Pippos, left, author of Lucky’s, and Robbie Arnott, author of The Rain Heron. Credit: Belinda Rolland.

“I feel fantastic! I spent years writing this book and I didn’t even know if it would be published. To be short-listed for a big award is a dream,” Pippos told The Australian.

Pippos is among a relatively left-of-field shortlist for Australia’s most famous literary prize. He joins Aravind Adiga nominated for Amnesty, Robbie Arnott for The Rain Heron, Daniel Davis Wood for At the Edge of the Solid World, Amanda Lohrey for The Labyrinth and Madeleine Watts for The Inland Sea.

READ MORE: Debut book by Andrew Pippos shines new light on Greek Australian cafés.

The six books on the 2021 Miles Franklin shortlist. 

“In various ways each of this year’s short-listed books investigate destructive loss – of loved ones, freedom, self, and the environment,” State Library of NSW Mitchell Librarian and judging panel chair, Richard Neville, said after the announcement.

“There is beauty and joy to be found, and decency and hope, largely through the embrace of community but, as the shortlist ­reminds us, often community is no match for more powerful forces.”

Longlisted novelists Gail Jones, who has been on the award’s longlist or shortlist six times, and previous Miles Franklin winner, Sofie Laguna, missed out this year.

The winner of the award will be announced on July 15.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Chris Christofi becomes highest fundraiser in Vinnies CEO Sleepout history

Melbourne entrepreneur and long-time Vinnies ambassador Chris Christofi has raised $400,000 in this year’s Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

Over $17,000 raised for St John NT through Darwin GleNTi 2025 festival

More than $17,000 was raised for St John NT at this year’s Darwin GleNTi festival, thanks to the generosity of attendees.

Major changes for Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation as language program nears end

Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation held its Annual General Meeting at the AHEPA Hall on Sunday, June 22 from 4:30pm.

Derbies, underdogs, and big clashes set for Australia Cup Round of 32

The fixtures for the Hahn Australia Cup 2025 Round of 32 have been revealed following the tournament’s Official Draw on Wednesday night.

Estudiantina of Melbourne to perform soulful tribute to Greek music pioneers

Estudiantina of Melbourne return to Bird’s Basement on Friday, July 25 to present a heartfelt tribute to Rita Abadzi and Kostas Roukounas.

You May Also Like

Tsitsipas defends Marseille title in victory against Felix Auger-Aliassime

Stefanos Tsitsipas claimed the Marseille trophy on Sunday after a victory over Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Greece’s Prime Minister meets with Greek Community of Melbourne delegation

Greece's Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, met with a delegation from the Greek Community of Melbourne this week.

Author shows there’s more to Mediterranean food than ‘Greek salad’ in award-winning cookbook

Ruth Bardis' cookbook, ‘Beyond the Greek Salad: Regional Foods All Around Greece’, explores various cuisines of Greek regions and differences between them.