Chosen from a longlist of ten, the three shortlisted novels are:
Before the Earthquake by Maria Allen (Tindal Street Press)
Talk of the Town by Jacob Polley (Picador)
The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw (Atlantic Books)
Chair of judges Elizabeth Buchan said: 'We were struck by the boldness, originality and ambition of these three very different writers. With settings ranging from early 20th-century southern Italy to Carlisle in the 1980s to the mysterious St Hauda's Land, their novels make up a diverse, intriguing and hugely rewarding shortlist.'
The Desmond Elliott Prize is an annual award for a first novel written in English and published in the UK. The prize, worth £10,000, was set up in honour of publisher and literary agent Desmond Elliott to support new writers.
The winner will be announced on 23 June at Fortnum & Mason in London.
Author
Picador |