Two Novels Tie for Literary Prize

The Queen Mary small press fiction prize, previously known as the Republic of Consciousness prize, has awarded its top honor jointly to two experimental novels. Rebecca Gransden's "Figures Crossing the Field Towards the Group" and Nell Osborne's "Ghost Driver" were announced as co-winners at a ceremony held at Queen Mary University in London on Wednesday evening.

Prize founder Neil Griffiths explained that when judges cannot decisively choose between two books, both are recognized as winners, likening it to a tie in a race. Gransden's novel explores a post-apocalyptic journey, described by a judge as a "mesmerising dystopian novel." Osborne's "Ghost Driver" follows a woman navigating increasingly bizarre and unsettling personal experiences, characterized as a "shape-shifting gem."

Both winning authors will receive a five-day writing retreat. This year marks the prize's 10th anniversary. The award structure also includes financial stipends for publishers and authors at various stages, with longlisted presses receiving £500 and shortlisted titles an additional £1,000, split between publisher and author. Darryl by Jackie Ess, The First Jasmines by Saima Begum, and Spit by David Brennan were also shortlisted.