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

Australian woman injured in Greece faces hospital ordeal and insurance battle

Australian Narelle Massey is recovering in a public hospital in Athens after suffering severe injuries in a quad bike accident.

George Polites loses bid to delay investigation into late mother’s estate

George Polites has failed in his attempt to block an administrator from launching a probe into his management of his late mother’s estate.

Panathinaikos captain sports special jersey ahead of Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament

Panathinaikos captain Kostas Sloukas has been seen sporting the club’s limited-edition jersey ahead of Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

Greek actor Petros Filippidis handed suspended prison sentence for attempted rape

Greek actor Petros Filippidis was sentenced to three years in prison with a three-year suspension by the Athens Mixed Jury Court of Appeal.

Greece’s Foreign Minister visits Tripoli to strengthen Greek-Libyan ties and promote dialogue

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with Libyan officials in Tripoli on Tuesday, July 9, as part of efforts to strengthen ties.

You May Also Like

Monumental tomb discovered in Ancient Greek city of Tenea

Though long shrouded in myth, the city was only definitively located in 2018, about 12 miles northeast of ancient Mycenae.

Young cancer survivor Leonidas says ‘fatherhood changed him for the better’

Being diagnosed with cancer, having a daughter and losing your best friend in a motorcycle accident at the tender age of 26 is a lot to go through for an average person.

Archbishop Makarios sends message to students starting new school year

My beloved children, Traditionally, the beginning of each school year is the starting point of a new, creative course, accompanied by feelings of joy, hope...