Indie Book Awards 2023: Winners Announced
The winners of the 2023 Indie Book Awards have been revealed
The Indie Book Awards 2023 winners were announced today, unveiling the top books of the summer as recommended by independent booksellers. The awards ceremony took place on the penultimate day of Independent Bookshop Week, which runs from June 17th to June 24th.
In the Fiction category, the winner was ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver, published by Faber and Faber. This clever retelling of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield’ has already received accolades such as the Pulitzer Prize and the Women's Prize for Fiction. Kingsolver's novel impressed the judges with its powerful storytelling and the author's ability to capture the voice of the young male protagonist.
For Non-Fiction, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie won with ‘Notes on Grief’ from Fourth Estate. This internationally acclaimed writer and TED talk speaker explores the loss of her father in a touching and introspective meditation. Described as both emotional and austere, the book provides spiritual nourishment and dignity, making it a deserving winner in its category.
In the Children's Fiction category, A F Steadman claimed victory with ‘Skandar and the Unicorn Thief’ published by Simon & Schuster Children's. This epic adventure by the best-selling fantasy author takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets, nail-biting races, and ferocious unicorns.
Jarvis secured the Picture Book prize with ‘The Boy With Flowers in His Hair’ from Walker Books. This beautifully illustrated and sensitively told story emphasizes the importance of being there for someone in their most vulnerable moments.
The Indie Book Awards celebrate the finest paperback books of the summer, as chosen exclusively by independent booksellers who are experts in the field. The winners were revealed during Penny Smith's show on Scala Radio, the official media partner of the awards.
Each winner expressed their gratitude and appreciation for independent booksellers. Barbara Kingsolver acknowledged her debt to them, as they played a crucial role in launching her career. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shared her belief in the significance of independent bookshops, while A F Steadman expressed his joy and gratitude for the recognition. Jarvis praised independent booksellers for their creativity and uniqueness, highlighting their role in fostering a love of books.
The judging panel consisted of experienced booksellers who faced the challenging task of selecting winners from strong shortlists. Mel Griffin, Chair of the Adult Categories Judging Panel, described the process as a privilege and praised the exceptional quality of the books. The panel unanimously chose ‘Notes on Grief’ for its extraordinary power and ability to resonate with readers from various backgrounds. ‘Demon Copperhead’ stood out for its impressive writing, important themes, and the author's skill in capturing the voice of the protagonist.
Don't miss your chance of winning the entire collection of shortlisted books from the Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Fiction and Picture Book categories. Find out more on how you can win here.
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