“Non-pretentious” book snares prize
Australian poet Robert Gray has become the first Eastern Suburbs resident to win the Waverley Library Award for his work “The Land I Came Through Last”.
The prize, had over 160 entries from all over Australia vying for the $20,000 prize money. Gray, who has won many awards for his seven poetry books, said the recognition was special.
“I’m particularly pleased the judges said it rewarded the quality of the writing. I find that most literary prizes go to people who write books on worthy issues,” commented Gray, “There’s a Philistine attitude where self-righteous subject matter is what seems to count these days. I believe that writing and style is a self-sufficient end in itself.”
He conceded that the book was about his “torn feelings of attraction and repulsion” for his father; who was according to Gray, both and alcoholic and a witty, well educated man. Furthermore, he described it as “poetic without being pretentious”.
Gray was praised by competition judges for his ability to re-create characters and places for the reader and described the book as “one of the most beautifully written works of autobiography ever to appear in this country”.
Robert Gray has been writing poetry since he was 15 and that he would continue writing as long as he was able. Some of his other literary gems include: “The Meatworks”, “In Departing Light”, “Harbour Dusk”, “North Coast Town”, “Flames & the Dangling Wire” and “A Bowl of Pears”.
Buy “The Land I Came Through Last” at Emporium Books!
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