Felicity Castagna wins the Prime Minister’s Literary Award

We are thrilled that Felicity Castagna has won the Prime Minister’s Literary Award, Young Adult Fiction for her work The Incredible Here and Now. The award was presented at a gala dinner in Melbourne. For the full list of winners and shortlisted titles, click here.

SBS broadcast the event, to watch the video, click here.

The judges said:

When Michael’s beloved older brother Dom dies in a car crash, Michael and his family are left with aching grief. What an aptly titled novel this is: a vivid portrait of a teenage boy, his family and community in Sydney’s western suburbs learning about life, death and love. Writer Felicity Castagna exploits a series of vignettes to create a wholly satisfying, moving story: its short, sculpted chapters capture Michael’s thoughts, moods and insights in quickening moments. Michael has the outward reticence of a teenage boy, but so much happening beneath the surface. This is a splendid portrayal of a boy on the cusp.