Grace McCleen’s first novel, The Land of Decoration, was awarded the Desmond Elliott Prize for the best first novel of the year. It was also chosen for Richard and Judy’s Book Club and won her the Betty Trask Prize in 2013. Her second novel, The Professor of Poetry, was published in 2013 and was shortlisted for the Encore Award. She read English at the University of Oxford and has an MA from York, and currently lives in London. The Offering is her third novel and was longlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction 2015.
Grace McCleen’s first novel, The Land of Decoration, was awarded the Desmond Elliott Prize for the best first novel of the year. It was also chosen for Richard and Judy’s Book Club and won her the Betty Trask Prize in 2013. Her second novel, The Professor of Poetry, was published in 2013 and was shortlisted for the Encore Award. She read English at the University of Oxford and has an MA from York, and currently lives in London. The Offering is her third novel and was longlisted for the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction 2015.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
