The winner of the Waverton Good Read Award for debut novels published in 2017 will be announced later this month, and I’m delighted that my own novel, ‘Not Thomas’, is on the shortlist.
I’m even more delighted (if that’s possible) that also on the shortlist is one of my favourite novels of the year, ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman. It won the Costa First Novel Award, and Book of the Year at the British Book Awards, so it’s no surprise that the film rights were snapped up – and by Reese Witherspoon, no less.
Also on the shortlist is ‘A Boy Made of Blocks’ by Guardian journalist Keith Stuart, which is about a couple going through a difficult time in their relationship. They have a child with autism who loves playing Minecraft. It’s a very moving read and was selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club.
The other two debut titles on the list are ‘Montpelier Parade’ by Irish writer Karl Geary, a short novel set in Dublin and written in the second person, and ‘The Pinocchio Brief’ by Abi Silver, which is a riveting courtroom drama with a difference. I hadn’t read either book before they appeared on the shortlist but I have now and I really enjoyed them both.
Only one novel can win, of course, and the winner will be chosen by the residents of Waverton in Cheshire on Tuesday, 26th June. But having ‘Not Thomas’ rub shoulders with such illustrious company on the shortlist is winning enough for me, no matter which title takes home the award.
Sara’s debut novel ‘Not Thomas’ – a story of child neglect, love and hope, shown through the eyes of five-year-old Tomos – is published by Honno Press in paperback and as an e-book, and is available to buy direct from the publisher, from Amazon and from bookshops.
Sara Gethin 
How wonderful! Not that I’m surprised. You deserve to be on the shortlist & in my view, to win. Congratulations, Wendy! xXx #LoveTomos
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Thank you so much, Carol. I should imagine Gail Honeyman will be winning this one! xxx (Diolch yn fawr am y #LoveTomos!!)
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I am SO SO SO proud of you – this is truly amazing news!!!! Congratulations, my dear!!!!!
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Thank you, Dyane – I’m so delighted to be on there!!! xxx
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Fantastic news, huge congrats xx
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Thank you, Evie! Gail Honeyman went on to win the award for ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’, but it was wonderful to be on the shortlist.
All the best for your latest novel xx
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Gail Honeyman with Elanor Oliphant is a great one to take the podium with. I am convinced Not Thomas will be huge and still he takes his introverted baby steps towards huge success. #LoveTomos. I hope your work gets firmly in the hands of success soon.
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Oh thank you so much, Ellen – you’ve been a great support of Not T and I really appreciate it x
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I will be waiting to see what happens next with any new work you produce.
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