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Book of the year author, Carty-Williams, makes history by being the first black woman to win the award. She paves a way for black authors.
“So instead of celebrating myself, I’m going to celebrate the books by black authors that came before me, that deserved just as much attention. The ones that deserved to be book of the year. I’m going to celebrate the books by black authors that weren’t published prominently enough, that didn’t make it to print, and the ones that didn’t even make it on to the page for fear that they weren’t good enough. I’m hopeful that this award can show black writers who haven’t yet had the confidence to even submit their novel that they can be winners too.” Carty-Williams said in an interview.
Carty-Williams has given a prerecorded speech to express her gratitude for the long-awaited title. But at the same time, she feels it took too long for a black author to be recognized by a broader group. Her work in literature caught the eyes of top publishers. During this time with the Black Lives Matter movement going on, she has caught more spotlight as she described from her perspective of what a black woman goes through.
The author’s book, Queenie, won the debut of the year at the British Book awards. She felt puzzled that no other black author won Book of the Year. But nonetheless, she was proud to accept the position she fought hard for. The book was about the life of a young, and persevering Jamaican woman. She is confident that after her accomplishment, more black authors will receive recognition in literature.
By Tre’vell Hill
Edited by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
TheIndianExpress: Candice Carty-Williams and Bernardine Evaristo win British book awards
BBC News: Queenie author Candice Carty-Williams wins British Book Award
Yahoo!: Candice Carty-Williams named first black woman to win top book prize
Top and Featured Image courtesy of Oleksandr K’s Flickr page – Creative Commons License