In a night that celebrated LGBTQ+ literature, the British Library played host to the prestigious 2023 Polari Prizes ceremony. Jon Ransom and Julia Armfield emerged as the worthy recipients of these coveted awards. The Polari Prize is the UK and Ireland’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ book prize, founded by author and activist, Paul Burston.
Who are the 2023 Polari Prizes winners?
Jon Ransom, a rising star in the field, clinched the Polari First Book Prize for his mesmerising work, “The Whale Tattoo.” This novel delves into the depths of grief and love, offering readers a profound and moving experience. Ransom’s narrative is a poignant exploration of emotions, drawing readers into the quaint setting of Norfolk and introducing them to the unforgettable character, Joe Gunner.
While, Julia Armfield was honoured with the Polari Book Prize for her bewitching masterpiece, “Our Wives Under the Sea.” This romance is nothing short of hypnotic and haunting. Armfield’s work stood tall among literary giants such as Edward Enninful and Douglas Stuart, a testament to its exceptional quality. In this spellbinding novel, Armfield grapples with themes of love, loss, and the mysteries of the deep, deep sea.
Read: Polari First Book Prize: 12 thrilling debut reads on longlist
Ransom won the £1,000 Polari first book prize, while Armfield was named winner of the overall prize, which comes with a cash award of £2,000.
Indeed, both winning titles in the 2023 Polari Prizes push the boundaries of LGBTQ+ literature. They invite readers to explore complex landscapes and elusive narratives, urging us to imagine all possibilities, construct new stories, and embrace hope.
What the judges said about the winners
Adam Zmith, judge of the Polari First Book Prize and a previous year’s winner, expressed his admiration for Jon Ransom’s work, stating, “Jon Ransom’s novel is suffused with salt air and gay longing. It transported me to a life that is not my own, and yet one where I recognised myself, too. Ransom conjures up gorgeously evocative images for his hostile locations and finds love and energy there.”
“It transported me to a life that is not my own, and yet one where I recognised myself, too.”
Adam Zmith, Polari First Book Prize Judge
Joelle Taylor, judge of the Polari Book Prize and also a past winner, lauded “Our Wives Under the Sea,” declaring it to be a “strange, speculative, poetic and thrilling novel – a heart turner as much as a page turner.”
Paul Burston, the founder and chair of judges for both categories, offered his insights, saying, “In their different ways, both of this year’s winning books expand our understanding of what LGBTQ+ literature can and should be. These are novels which entertain, seduce and provoke thought. They take us out of ourselves and invite us to explore other worlds. They’re also books full of promise. I can’t wait to see what this year’s winning writers do next.”
The Polari Prizes, in their unique celebration of LGBTQ+ literature, continue to be a beacon of diversity, creativity, and inclusivity in the literary world. With each passing year, they inspire and uplift, reminding us that the power of storytelling knows no boundaries, and that love and hope can be found in the most unexpected of places, including the pages of these exceptional novels.