It is the book, in the Non-fiction category, “Half the Perfect World: Writers, Dreamers and Drifters on Hydra, 1955–1964”, by Paul Genoni and Tanya Dalziell (Monash University Press).
This book tells the story of the post-war community on the Greek island of Hydra. It included Leonard Cohen and other artists and writers, such as the Australian literary couple, Charmian Clift and George Johnston. Drawing on previously unseen letters, manuscripts and diaries, and richly illustrated by the photographs of LIFE magazine photo-journalist James Burke, this book reveals the private lives and relationships of the Hydra expatriates. It charts the promise of a creative life that drew them to the island, and documents the fracturing of the community as it came under pressure from personal ambitions and wider social changes.
“From an account of an artist community living on a Greek island to a tale of four kids and their teacher solving a decades-old mystery, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards for 2019 celebrate the diversity of Australian writing”, said the announcement from the PM’s office.
“Congratulations to the outstanding winners of this year’s Awards. We are fortunate to have such remarkable authors, poets, illustrators, creators and historians committed to bringing Australian stories to life,” said the Prime Minister and he added:
“This year’s short list showcases the diversity of our great country. I really encourage Australians of all ages to pick up a copy of one of this year’s excellent entries.”
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher reinforced the Government’s commitment to supporting Australian literature, history and poetry through the annual Awards.
“These Awards have recognised individual excellence in Australian literature for more than a decade,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Literature is vital in a civilised society. There is something very special about a book as the fruit of sustained and disciplined artistic and intellectual effort. With these awards the Prime Minister on behalf of the nation is recognising outstanding works by Australian authors – as well as acknowledging the importance of literature in the life of our nation, and expressing the Government's gratitude to every author.”
The Awards are presented in six categories – children's literature, young adult literature, fiction, poetry, non-fiction, Australian history – with a total prize pool of $600,000.
More information about this year’s winning and shortlisted books, authors and judges’ comments can be found in the website www.arts.gov.au/pmla.
The other winners are:
Fiction
- The Death of Noah Glass, Gail Jones, Text Publishing
Australian history
- The Bible in Australia: A Cultural History, Meredith Lake, NewSouth Publishing
Poetry
- Sun Music: New and Selected Poems, Judith Beveridge, Giramondo Press
Children’s literature
- His Name Was Walter, Emily Rodda, Angus & Robertson
Young adult literature
- The Things That Will Not Stand, Michael Gerard Bauer, Omnibus Books
