Gnanalingam_Brannavan_Sprigs-scaled-1
2022 Nominated

Sprigs

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

It is Saturday afternoon and two boys schools are locked in battle for college rugby supremacy. Priya – a fifteen year old who barely belongs – watches from the sidelines. Then it is Saturday night and the team is partying, Priya’s friends have evaporated and she isn’t sure what to do.

In the weeks after ‘the incident’ life seems to go on. But when whispers turn to confrontation, the institutions of wealth and privilege circle the wagons.

 

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Brannavan
Gnanalingam

Brannavan Gnanalingam’s most recent novel is Sprigs. His previous novel Sodden Downstream (Lawrence and Gibson; 2017) was short-listed for the Acorn Foundation prize for best fiction of the year. He is also the author of a Briefcase, Two Pies and a Penthouse and three other books published by Lawrence and Gibson. Brannavan Gnanalingam is a novelist, freelance writer and lawyer based in Wellington.

Brannavan Gnanalingam’s most recent novel is Sprigs. His previous novel Sodden Downstream (Lawrence and Gibson; 2017) was short-listed for the Acorn Foundation prize for best fiction of the year. He is also the author of a Briefcase, Two Pies and a Penthouse and three other books published by Lawrence and Gibson. Brannavan Gnanalingam is a novelist, freelance writer and lawyer based in Wellington.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

Sprigs is a powerful and challenging story. Priya is a fifteen-year-old who goes to a party with rugby players and other kids, and is attacked in an ‘incident’. We hear words from different people, and power and privilege combine to protect the guilty. When we hear from Priya herself – her voice is so compelling it cuts through and leaves the reader devastated.

Christchurch City Libraries, New Zealand

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Date published
20/07/2020
Country
New Zealand
Original Language
English
Publisher
Lawrence and Gibson

RELATED FEATURES

News May 21 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Winner Revealed

Discover this year's winner!
Video May 16 2026

Brigitte Giraud – Live Fast Q&A

Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
Video May 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
Video May 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.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.