Jon Ransom has achieved a remarkable feat, winning the prestigious Polari Prize for the second consecutive year, per theguardian.com. His sophomore novel, The Gallopers, follows his critically acclaimed debut, The Whale Tattoo, which secured him the Polari First Book Prize in 2023.
The Gallopers is an emotional thriller exploring the lives of three men across three decades, delving into the homophobia they face and their internal struggles. Praised for its emotional depth and historical perspective, the novel is considered a powerful exploration of masculinity and the constraints it imposes.
This year’s Polari ceremony also saw victories for Nicola Dinan and Sarah Hagger-Holt. Dinan’s debut novel, Bellies, won the Polari First Book Prize. Described as “deep and chic,” the book tackles themes of friendship, first love, and the transgender experience. Hagger-Holt’s children’s novel, The Fights That Make Us, won the Polari Children’s and YA Prize. The story celebrates LGBTQ+ history and the importance of standing up for your beliefs.
The Polari Prizes, established in 2011, are the UK and Ireland’s only awards dedicated solely to LGBTQ+ literature. The competition is open to books by authors from the UK and Ireland that explore the LGBTQIA+ experience.
This year’s Polari ceremony showcased the diversity and talent within LGBTQ+ literature. Ransom’s repeat win underscores the exceptional quality of The Gallopers, while Dinan and Hagger-Holt’s victories bring fresh voices and perspectives to the forefront.
- Featured image: Jon Ransom/The Guardian
