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Trini-born writer Roffey wins Costa Book award
Wednesday 27 January 2021
WINNER S ROW: Trini-born writer Monique Roffey, the 2020 Costa Book of the Year winner for her novel The Mermaid of Black Conch. -
TRINIDAD-BORN writer Monique Roffey has been declared winner of the overall Costa Book of the Year award and with it, a £30,000 cheque.
She won for her novel The Mermaid of Black Conch (Peepal Tree Press), which is her sixth book.
The book, said the UK Guardian, was described as an utterly original piece by historian and broadcaster Suzannah Lipscomb, who chaired the panel of judges.
Roffey was announced winner at a virtual awards ceremony on Tuesday. Late Irish poet Eavan Boland and children’s author Natasha Farrant were in the running for the overall prize.