The Bookseller.com

1st December 2008

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Orange author backs male prize

16.04.08

One of the six authors shortlisted for the women-only Orange Prize backed calls for a new literary award – for men, reports the Scotsman. Sadie Jones was speaking after critics of the 12-year-old prize complained loudly of sex discrimination. A men's prize could help get more boys reading, she said.

Jones' book The Outcast, set in 1950s England, was one of three debut novels shortlisted. "Any prize draws attention to books," she said. "I don't think equal opportunity comes into it." But she went on: "I think there should be a literary prize for men. I have a son, and you hear a lot about boys not reading. Anything that adds interest or glamour for boys can only be good sense."

Scotsman

Orange Prize Sadie Jones