but it is also the voice of a precociously intelligent girl within what is a very male-dominated society.” The tone throughout is extremely accurate, not only is it cleverly the voice of a 14-year-old girl. “It is part horror story, part detective story and part historical novel. The chair of judges, the former bookseller James Heneage, described it as a fantastic, page-turning read, but also an important book. “There is a lot of exciting stuff going on and increasing awareness of diversity, there is some very interesting literature.”Īsked the staple book award question of what she would spend her money on? “I have no idea … at least a portion of it might be spent on Champagne I think.” The fact that it has been recognised is, from my point of view, completely lovely but from a less selfish point of view I would see this recognition of the wonderful work which is being done throughout in children’s and YA writing. Hardinge said: “In the wider world sometimes children’s fiction is seen as a bit lightweight in a way that is not deserved. There will be delight in the world of children’s fiction. Hardinge said the win was a total surprise and she felt transported to another dimension “which feels implausibly idyllic, but I like it here and I’m staying.” The 42-year-old writer, whose hobbies include scrabbling about on volcanoes, described her book as “a Victorian Gothic mystery with added paleontology, blasting powder, post-mortem photography and feminism.” but it is also the voice of a precociously intelligent girl within what is a very male-dominated society.’ Photograph: Frances Hardinge The Lie Tree: ‘Not only is it cleverly the voice of a 14-year-old girl.

The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge