Colin Barrett's debut novel, *Wild Houses*, has been awarded the Nero debut fiction prize. The judges praised the novel's exceptional writing, captivating characters, and poignant exploration of human connection. Barrett expressed his delight at winning the prize, acknowledging the unexpected success of his work. *Wild Houses* is now in the running for the Nero Gold Prize, Book of the Year 2024.
The Nero Book Awards judges have showered praise on Colin Barrett's debut novel, *Wild Houses*, for its exceptional writing, captivating characters, and poignant exploration of human connection. The judges lauded the novel's 'sheer quality of its writing,' describing it as a 'literary page-turner' with 'prose both lyrical and absorbing.' They also highlighted the 'brilliant dialogue' and 'characters who seem to have walked off the street and on to the page.
' Barrett's novel delves into the gritty reality of a small-town drugs feud, a kidnapping, and a life-altering weekend. While the story is infused with wit and humor, it also grapples with themes of menace, empathy, and compassion. The Nero awards, established last year as a successor to the Costa awards, hold a prominent position in the literary world, second only to the Booker Prize in terms of critical acclaim and commercial significance. \Barrett expressed his delight at winning the debut fiction prize, stating, 'Winning the Nero debut fiction is a very welcome surprise.' He admitted that while he was proud of *Wild Houses* upon completion, he had initially felt it might only resonate with a select few readers. He described the novel's unique approach and the way it unfolded, acknowledging that its journey into the world and its reception by readers has been both rewarding and encouraging. Other accolades recognizing Barrett's literary talent include his previous short story collection, *Young Skins*, which garnered the Guardian First Book Award, the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award, and the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature. His story *Calm with Horses* was adapted into a film starring Barry Keoghan in 2020. His second collection, *Homesickness*, was included in The New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year and was named a Book of the Year by The Irish Times. Barrett's stories have graced esteemed publications such as The Stinging Fly, Granta, Harper's, and The New Yorker. *Wild Houses* was also shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize.\Each category winner at the Nero Book Awards receives a £5,000 prize and becomes eligible for the Nero Gold Prize, Book of the Year 2024. The overall winner will be determined by a judging panel chaired by acclaimed journalist and author Bill Bryson and will receive an additional £30,000 prize. Last year, the inaugural Nero Gold Prize was awarded to *The Bee Sting* by Irish author Paul Murray. Fellow Irish author Michael Magee won the debut prize for *Close to Home*.
LITERATURE AWARDS DEBUT FICTION WILD HOUSES COLIN BARRETT NERO BOOK AWARDS
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