10 hours ago
3
Jamaican author Diana McCaulay’s book A House for Miss Pauline (Dialogue Books/Hachette UK) has been announced as the winner for the Caribbean Literature Conference (CARICON) Prize for Fiction.
CARICON, a new international award, was established to recognise and honour outstanding literary works by Caribbean authors across the globe. It recognises excellence across four categories: Poetry, Children’s Literature, Young Adult Literature, and Fiction.
The committee noted that “McCaulay delivers a deeply Caribbean narrative that explores silence, truth, and justice across generations with empathy, power, and precision.”
In a brief interview with The Gleaner McCaulay expressed her delight.
“I was really happy to see A House For Miss Pauline on the shortlist for the Fiction category for the inaugural CARICON prize. The other novels are all excellent, so I thought the odds were long. I was so pleased when my book won. I’m very grateful to CARICON for showcasing Caribbean books and writing,” McCaulay said.
A House for Miss Pauline has also been nominated for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize.
The inaugural prize celebrates four powerful books and a lifetime achievement awardee whose work exemplifies literary excellence, cultural richness, and a bold vision for Caribbean storytelling.
“Caribbean literature has always held a vital place–especially within the diaspora,” says V. Steve Russell, executive director of CARICON. “We believe this award will spotlight more authors and bring greater global relevance to Caribbean storytelling. What makes this particularly special is that it’s an award by a Caribbean organisation, for Caribbean authors.”
He added, “The Caribbean has powerful stories to tell, and this prize is about helping those stories reach broader audiences–across formats and borders.”
Among the other prize winners are Angie Cruz for Children’s Literature - Angélica and la Güira, (Penguin Young Readers / Kokila); Amy Alvarez for Poetry - Makeshift Altar (University Press of Kentucky); Desmond Hall for Young Adult Literature - Better Must Come (Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books)
“Set in Jamaica, Hall’s gripping YA novel follows two teens navigating danger, choice, and redemption. A timely and suspenseful coming-of-age story filled with heart and urgency,” a release from the organisers said about Better Must Come.
Trinidadian novelist and playwright Dr. Earl Lovelace was named the inaugural recipient of the CARICON Lifetime Achievement Award. His literary legacy – including works such as The Dragon Can’t Dance and Salt –has shaped Caribbean literature for generations with unmatched brilliance and authenticity.
The formal presentation of the 2025 CARICON Prize will take place next year June in Toronto, Canada.
English (US) ·