The Bookseller.com

17th May 2008

Self-published writer in line for PEN/Ackerley

23.04.08 Philip Jones

Self-published psychotherapist Jane Haynes has been shortlisted for the autobiography award the PEN/Ackerley Prize, alongside Ed Husain and John Lanchester. Jonathan Heawood, director of English PEN, said the inclusion of Haynes' book--which was also published as an e-book--reflected "the changes in contemporary publishing". Heawood added: "This shortlist could only belong to the PEN/Ackerley Prize, which is unique in its focus on memoir and autobiography; fierce in its literary judgement; and colourful in its taste. The prize is true to its roots, whilst reflecting the changes in contemporary publishing."

The full list includes Ed Husain's controversial account of his involvement in radical fundamentalism in The Islamist; Miranda Seymour's memoir of her father's misplaced love, In My Father's House; Dannie Abse's memoir of his 50-year marriage, The Presence; John Lanchester's investigation of family secrets, Family Romance; and the journal of a psychotherapist, Who Is It That Can Tell Me Who I Am? by Jane Haynes.

The PEN/Ackerley Prize is judged by Michael Holroyd, Francis King, Peter Parker (chair) and Colin Spencer. The winner receives a cheque for £1,000. The winner of the PEN/Ackerley Prize will be announced at a special ceremony at the Guardian Newsroom at 7pm on June 10th.

Past winners include Diana Athill, Alan Bennett, Jenny Diski, Barry Humphries, Blake Morrison and Lorna Sage.

The shortlist is composed of the following books:

The Presence by Dannie Abse (Hutchinson)
Who Is It That Can Tell Me Who I Am? by Jane Haynes (www.intheconsultingroom.com)
The Islamist by Ed Husain (Penguin)
Family Romance by John Lanchester (Faber)
In My Father’s House by Miranda Seymour (Simon & Schuster)

Philip Jones Prize Home PEN/Ackerley prize Ed Husain Jane Haynes

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