Will Kostakis wins $80,000 Prime Minister’s Literary Award

·

Greek Australian author Will Kostakis has won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for young adult literature with his sixth novel We Could be Something.

The winners of the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards were announced at a special event at the National Library of Australia in Canberra on Thursday, September 12.

Offering the most substantial literary prize in the nation, with a tax-free prize pool of $600,000, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise the outstanding literary talents of established and emerging Australian writers, illustrators, poets, and historians.

This year’s winning titles span genre and form, illuminating the complexities of our nation’s past, present and paving the way for future Australian stories.

35-year old Kostakis’ novel We Could be Something (Allen & Unwin) is about a boy whose fathers have broken up, leaving him to start his adult life in a flat above a cafe that is owned by an extended Greek family that he hardly knows.

“It’s my love letter to my Greek family, and to my teachers and publishers,” Kostakis told The Australian after the award announcement. “They’ve kept me going.”

In congratulating the winners of the Prime Minister’s ­Literary Awards in six categories, Anthony Albanese said the books “showcase the diversity of Australian voices and sharing our unique ­stories with the world.”

The winner in each category receives $80,000, tax-free.

The full list of winners is:

  • Fiction: Anam, by Andre Dao (Penguin Random House).
  • Non-fiction: Close to the Subject: Selected Works by Daniel Browning (Magabala Books).
  • Young Adult Literature: We Could be Something by Will Kos­takis (Allen & Unwin)
  • Children’s Literature: Tamarra: A Story of Termites on Gurindji Country by Violet Wadrill, Topsy Dodd Ngarnjal, Leah Leaman, Cecelia Edwards, Cassandra Algy, Felicity Meakins, Briony Barr and Gregory Crocetti (Hardie Grant Explore).
  • Poetry: The Cyprian by Amy Crutchfield (Giramondo Press).
  • Australian History: Donald Horne: A Life in the Lucky Country by Ryan Cropp (La Trobe University Press).

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Deputy Minister signals openness to reform after diaspora letter on Honorary Consulate

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for the Diaspora, Ioannis Loverdos, has responded to an open letter about Queensland's Honorary Consulate.

Government urged to act as Armenian and Greek Genocides commemorated in Canberra

The 110th anniversary of the Armenian and Greek Genocides was solemnly commemorated at the ACT Legislative Assembly in Canberra on Tuesday.

Sewn with love: Leah Plakias’ 14-month-long journey towards dress of her dreams

Come New Year, resolutions run awry. Some we keep, others take a back seat. For Leah, 2024 saw her tackle one of her biggest to date.

Pallaconian Association of Canberra marks 25 years with ‘Taste of Laconia’ celebration

The Pallaconian Association of Canberra & Districts celebrated their 25th Anniversary by hosting ‘Taste of Laconia’.

Cypriot Community of Apostle Andrew in Melbourne celebrates 70th anniversary

Over 400 people gathered on Saturday evening, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Cypriot Community of Apostle Andrew.

You May Also Like

Greek American comedian Basile is heading to Australian stages

Greek American comedian Basile is heading to Australian stages this year for his 'Blame It On The Greek' tour.

New Greek shipping minister Christos Stylianidis sworn in

The new minister of shipping and island policy, Christos Stylianidis, officially assumed his position on Tuesday, September 12.

Giannis Antetokounmpo files $2 million lawsuit over ‘Greek Freak’ infringement

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has filed a lawsuit against pretenders looking to cash in on his trademarked nickname 'Greek Freak.'