The New Angle Prize for Literature is a £3,000 biennial award for a book of literary merit set in or influenced by the region of East Anglia. Inaugurated in 2009, it is an award for a recently published book of literary merit, associated or influenced by the region of East Anglia. In this context, East Anglia is defined as region encompassing North Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and the Fens.
The New Angle Prize and University of Suffolk present Creative Suffolk Author Award: a literary award celebrating outstanding writing which contributes to Suffolk’s creative output. The prize aims to showcase the strength of diverse literary voices in the county and aims to reward the work of a writer who has made an important contribution to the literary landscape of the county.
The 2023 winner of New Angle Prize, announced on Thursday 21st September 2023 , was Caroline Davison’s “The Captain’s Apprentice” (Penguin, August 2022).
For information and updates follow the New Angle Prize for Literature Twitter account @PrizeNewAngle
New Angle Prize 2025:
Key Dates
Creative Suffolk Author Award 2025: Key Dates
2023 Shortlist
2023 Shortlist (with judges’ comments):
WINNER: Captain’s Apprentice: Ralph Vaughan Williams and the Story of a Folk Song
by Caroline Davison
“A beautifully written exploration of the world of Edwardian folk music, and its influence on the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.” (Chatto & Windus, August 2022)
Naming the Land
by Nicola Warwick
““An impressive collection of poems, rich in the landscape, history and folklore of East Anglia.” (Maytree Press, August 2021)
RUNNER UP: The Bewitching
by Jill Dawson
““A powerful, slow burning tale of Fenland witchery told through strong voices and engaging, atmospheric writing.” (Sceptre, July 2022)
Wivenhoe
by Samuel Fisher
“This atmospheric tale of a climate-induced catastrophe overwhelming a small community is unforgettable, raising ultimate questions of memory, community and humanity.” (Little Brown, February 2022)
The Other Side of the Whale Road
by K.A. Hayton
“Young adult fiction at its best, with a pacey, compelling plot and a convincing contemporary teenage protagonist finding himself at war in Saxon Suffolk.” (Lightning Books, August 2021)
Shorelines: Voices of Southwold Fishermen
by Robert Jellicoe
“A once major industry and a distinctive way of life are brought vividly before us through the original words and images gathered in this deeply researched book” (Black Dog Books, October 2021)
Judges: Liz Trenow, Sophie Green and Keith Jones
Previous Winners
2019 Shortlist (with judges’ comments):
2017 – Judges; Midge Gillies, Steve Russell, Kate Worsley
Winner Threads, The Delicate Life of John Craske Julia Blackburn, Jonathan Cape 2015
Runner-up The Crime Writer Jill Dawson, Hodder & Stoughton 2016
Suffolk Libraries Readers’ Choice Sandlands Rosie Thornton, Sandstone Press 2016
2015 – Judges; Carol Bundock, Jules Pretty, Katie Ward
Winner She Rises Kate Worsley, Bloomsbury 2014
Runner-up The Time by the Sea Ronald Blythe, Faber & Faber 2013
2013 – Judges; Dr Jo Catling, Esther Freud, Jim Kelly
Winner This Luminous Coast Jules Pretty, Full Circle Editions 2011
Runner-up Tide Lines Ian Collins, Jardine Press 2012
Readers’ Choice 22 Britannia Road Amanda Hodgkinson, Penguin 2011
2011 – Judges; Mark Cocker, Nicci Gerrard, Gill Lowe
Winner Death Watch, Jim Kelly, Penguin Books 2010
Runner-up Aftermath, Ronald Blythe, Black Dog Books 2010
Readers’ Choice The Aldeburgh Scallop, Maggi Hambling, Full Circle Editions 2010
2009 – Judges; Ronald Blythe, Anne Parry, D J Taylor
Winner Crow Country, Mark Cocker, Jonathan Cape 2007
Runner-up What I Was, Meg Rosoff, Penguin Books 2008
Highly Commended Notes from Walnut Tree Farm, Roger Deakin, Penguin Books 2008