novel

Drawing on her firsthand experiences in PNG, Jones weaves a captivating historical romance that delves into a less-explored facet of Australia’s relationship with its former colony.

Set against the backdrop of the Pacific War, the narrative follows the intertwined lives of childhood friends, Amelia and Daniel.

As the war unfolds, Amelia faces evacuation to Australia, while Daniel, a mixed-race New Guinean, and grapples with his determination to protect his home despite being barred from enlisting by the Australian Army.

The winner receives $50,000 — though sadly two of this year's shortlisted writers died last year.

RN's Books and Arts explains the broad range of work by the prize's six shortlisted authors.

An Isolated Incident by Emily Maguire

This novel puts an act of sexual violence at its centre. A young woman — Bella — is raped and murdered.

But An Isolated Incident is not another sensationalist account of violence against women.