East Anglian Book of the Year 2022
We are delighted to reveal that Iron Man (Salt Publishing), the debut memoir by novelist and short story writer Lynne Bryan, has been crowned Book of the Year at the East Anglian Book Awards 2022
The announcement was made at a special event hosted by ourselves and awards partners, the Eastern Daily Press, the UEA and the National Centre for Writing, at Dragon Hall on Thursday evening
Lynne was really amazed to win and said “I’ve never won anything for my writing, so this is a big thing for me. I’m just thrilled. This prize will give me the confidence to keep writing.’
Published by independent publishing house Salt, based in Cromer, Iron Man is a moving and candid memoir which addresses Bryan’s relationship with her disabled father and the writer’s block she had experienced for over a decade. The result is a book that talks movingly and candidly about disability, the vulnerability of the body and mind, and the frailty and strength of our corporeality.
The Exceptional Contribution Award 2022 for outstanding work within writing and publishing in the region was presented to longstanding publishing magazine The Rialto, which began life in Norwich 40 years ago and is celebrating its 100th issue in 2023.
On accepting the award, editor Michael Mackmin said:
‘I am surprised and delighted by the Award and so is everyone else associated with the production of the magazine and our other publications. The East Anglian Book Awards are a landmark event in the rich literary life of the region and their recognition of our years of work supporting and encouraging poetry is a deeply appreciated kindness.’
Since the East Anglian Book Awards began in 2008, they have showcased the work of over 150 authors, 200 titles and more almost 100 publishers. To qualify for the East Anglian Book Awards, works must be set largely in East Anglia or be written by an author living in the region – the awards for 2023 will be open for submissions soon.
The 2022 Winners:
● Biography & Memoir: Iron Man by Lynne Bryan (Salt Publishing)
● Fiction: Stewkey Blues: Stories by D. J. Taylor (Salt Publishing)
● General Non-Fiction: The Art of Doris and Anna Zinkeisen by Philip Kelleway, Emma Roodhouse, and Nicola Evans (Unicorn)
● History & Tradition: Wingfield: Suffolk's Forgotten Castle by Elaine Murphy (Poppyland Publishing)
● The Mal Peet Children’s Award: Spark by Mitch Johnson (Orion)
● Poetry: Boudicca by Matt Haw (Templar Poetry)