Bernardine Evaristo 'astonished' to receive one-off Women's Prize for outstanding contribution

Bernardine Evaristo 'astonished' to receive one-off Women's Prize for outstanding contribution

Culture reporter Emma Saunders covered the Hay Festival, where acclaimed author Bernardine Evaristo expressed her astonishment at receiving the outstanding contribution award for the 30th anniversary of the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Evaristo, the first black woman to win the prestigious Booker Prize, along with Margaret Atwood in 2019, described the prize as unexpected and blessed. The award acknowledged Evaristo’s groundbreaking career, highlighted by her Booker-winning novel “Girl, Woman, Other,” and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the arts.

Evaristo is set to receive £100,000 in prize money and a sculpture at a ceremony in London on 12th June, coinciding with the announcement of the winners for the 2025 Women’s Prizes for Fiction and Non-Fiction. She plans to use the prize money for a project supporting other women writers, demonstrating her commitment to empowering fellow creatives. The author humorously mentioned that despite not being a multi-millionaire, it only felt right to give back and support one another.

The Women’s Prize Trust, which aims to amplify women’s voices and promote original work, selected Evaristo for the prestigious award. The judging panel emphasized Evaristo’s bold and inventive work, acknowledging her courage in offering readers diverse narratives and worlds. Additionally, Evaristo’s dedication to creating opportunities for other women writers was integral in her selection for the award, as she strives to uplift unheard and under-heard voices in literature.

Evaristo, known for her trailblazing talent, was born in Woolwich, south east London, to an English mother and Nigerian father. Drawing from her diverse heritage and experiences, she has crafted an impressive body of work over a 40-year career. As the current president of the Royal Society of Literature and a professor of creative writing at Brunel University, Evaristo continues to push boundaries with works like “Mr Loverman” and “Blonde Roots.” Her versatile storytelling has earned critical acclaim and accolades, solidifying her as a respected voice in contemporary literature

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