Catherine O’Flynn is a novelist. Her debut novel What Was Lost (Tindal Street, 2007) won the Costa First Novel award, was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book award, and longlisted for the Booker and Orange prizes. She was named Newcomer of the Year at the 2008 British book awards.
The News Where You Are (Penguin, 2010) was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize, an Edgar Allan Poe award and was chosen for the TV Book Club (Channel 4).
Catherine is the editor of a short story collection, Roads Ahead (Tindal Street, 2009). Her own short stories and articles have featured in Granta, the New York Times, the Observer and on BBC Radio 3 and 4. She is a regular book reviewer for the Guardian.
Prior to the publication of her first novel Catherine did a variety of jobs including web editor, box-office assistant, record shop manager, civil servant, postwoman, teacher and mystery shopper. She draws upon these experiences in her writing.
Catherine O’Flynn is a novelist. Her debut novel What Was Lost (Tindal Street, 2007) won the Costa First Novel award, was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book award, and longlisted for the Booker and Orange prizes. She was named Newcomer of the Year at the 2008 British book awards.
The News Where You Are (Penguin, 2010) was shortlisted for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse prize, an Edgar Allan Poe award and was chosen for the TV Book Club (Channel 4).
Catherine is the editor of a short story collection, Roads Ahead (Tindal Street, 2009). Her own short stories and articles have featured in Granta, the New York Times, the Observer and on BBC Radio 3 and 4. She is a regular book reviewer for the Guardian.
Prior to the publication of her first novel Catherine did a variety of jobs including web editor, box-office assistant, record shop manager, civil servant, postwoman, teacher and mystery shopper. She draws upon these experiences in her writing.
We’re pleased to share the final instalment in our shortlisted author Q&A series: a conversation with Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind the novel and reflecting o
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.
VideoMay 5 2026
Magdalena Blažević – In Late Summer Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Magdalena Blažević, author of the 2026 shortlisted novel In Late Summer where she explores the influences behind the book and reflects on how libraries have shaped her life as a
