In a remarkable culmination of an illustrious literary journey, Alexis Wright has been awarded the prestigious $60,000 Melbourne Prize for Literature. This accolade adds to an extraordinary year for Wright, during which she has amassed over $200,000 in prize money, primarily due to the success of her epic novel, Praiseworthy.
The Melbourne Prize for Literature: A Prestigious Recognition
Awarded triennially, the Melbourne Prize for Literature honors a Victorian writer whose body of published work has made an outstanding contribution to Australian literature and to cultural and intellectual life. Past recipients include notable authors such as Christos Tsiolkas, Alison Lester, and Helen Garner. Wright’s recognition underscores her significant impact on the literary landscape.
Alexis Wright: A Literary Luminary
A proud member of the Waanyi nation from the southern highlands of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Wright’s literary career spans over 25 years. Her 2006 novel, Carpentaria, garnered the Miles Franklin Award, while her 2017 collective memoir, Tracker, received the Stella Prize. Her latest work, Praiseworthy, has been lauded as “the most ambitious and accomplished Australian novel of this century” by The New York Times.
Achievements of Praiseworthy
Praiseworthy, a 736-page magnum opus, delves into the effects of over two centuries of colonization through the narrative of a remote Aboriginal town shrouded in a mysterious haze. The novel has earned several prestigious awards:
- Miles Franklin Award: $60,000
- Stella Prize: $60,000
- Queensland Literary Award for Fiction: $15,000
- James Tait Black Prize (UK): £10,000
These accolades highlight Wright’s exceptional storytelling and profound exploration of Indigenous experiences.
Judges’ Commendation
Evelyn Araluen, one of the judges for the Melbourne Prize, remarked, “While we’re privileged to have a wealth of phenomenal writers in Melbourne, Alexis embodies an order of excellence and influence that is transformational for her readers, First Nations or otherwise.” This sentiment reflects the profound impact of Wright’s work on both national and international audiences.
Award Ceremony Highlights
The award ceremony, held at Federation Square, also honored other literary talents:
- Carrie Tiffany: Awarded the $10,000 Writers Prize for her essay “Seven Snakes.”
- Angus Cerini and Claire Thomas: Recipients of the inaugural Falls Creek Writers’ Residencies.
These recognitions underscore the vibrant and diverse literary community in Australia.
Alexis Wright’s Literary Journey
Embarking on her writing career in her 40s, Wright previously worked as an activist, researcher, editor, educator, and broadcaster. Her debut novel, Plains of Promise, and the non-fiction work Grog War were both published in 1997. Despite initial challenges in publishing Carpentaria, the novel eventually received critical acclaim, winning multiple awards, including the Miles Franklin Award.
Praiseworthy: A Decade in the Making
Developed over ten years, Praiseworthy is the result of meticulous effort and numerous revisions. Wright described the process as involving “many, many false starts and reworking and reworking until I’m absolutely sure that every page, every part of that book stands up and won’t fall over.” This dedication is evident in the novel’s depth and complexity.
| Year | Award | Work | Prize Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Miles Franklin Award | Carpentaria | $60,000 |
| 2018 | Stella Prize | Tracker | $60,000 |
| 2024 | Stella Prize | Praiseworthy | $60,000 |
| 2024 | Miles Franklin Award | Praiseworthy | $60,000 |
| 2024 | Queensland Literary Award for Fiction | Praiseworthy | $15,000 |
| 2024 | James Tait Black Prize (UK) | Praiseworthy | £10,000 |
| 2024 | Melbourne Prize for Literature | Body of Work | $60,000 |
Who is Alexis Wright?
Alexis Wright is an Indigenous Australian author from the Waanyi nation, renowned for her novels and non-fiction works that explore Indigenous experiences and histories.
What is Praiseworthy about?
Praiseworthy is a 736-page novel that examines the effects of over 200 years of colonization through the story of a remote Aboriginal town enveloped in a mysterious haze.
What awards has Praiseworthy won?
The novel has received the Miles Franklin Award, the Stella Prize, the Queensland Literary Award for Fiction, and the James Tait Black Prize in the UK.