Animal's People in A Golden Age

Regional Winners of the 2008 Commonwealth Writers' Prize (Europe & South Asia)

From the Press Release

Professor Makarand Paranjape, Chair of Judges, comments:

"The competition for the best book was stiff, but Animal's People by Indra Sinha won out in the end for its fiercely original, zesty style, coupled with seriousness of theme and intent.

For the best first book, A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam, an evocative and sensitive narration of the creation of Bangladesh through the life of a courageous and unconventional mother, emerged as the winner.

Humane, compassionate, and consistently impressive in their use of language and technique, telling of major historical events through the viewpoints of underprivileged but resolute protagonists, both books are, ultimately, stories of survival and hope. This is why I believe they will appeal to a wide variety of readers."

The announcement of the two winners took place at Goldsmiths, University of London. Upon winning his award, Indra Sinha, who was recently shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2007 for Animal's People, commented:

"It's a great honour. I am delighted for Animal and his friends".

Tahmima Anam, whose first book A Golden Age won the Best First Book Award, commented:

"I'm absolutely thrilled at this news; over the years, many of my most cherished authors have been winners of the Commonwealth Prize, and I'm deeply honored to have been given the chance to be counted among them. I'm particularly proud to be representing my country as the first regional winner from Bangladesh."

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