Emma Darragh awarded the Readings Prize for Fiction

a4 is thrilled the announce that Emma Darragh has been awarded the 2024 Readings Prize for Fiction for her debut, Thanks for Having Me.

Melinda Houston, chair of judges at Readings, said of Darragh’s win: ‘What a year it’s been for local storytelling. The competition for The New Australian Fiction Prize was so strong the judges really struggled to whittle the entrants down to just six for the shortlist, let alone choosing the ultimate winner. It’s a great problem to have.

Even better, this year we’re celebrating both a terrific new talent in Emma Darragh, and an exciting new imprint from Allen & Unwin – Joan – headed by acclaimed First Nations writer, actor and comedian Nakkiah Lui and dedicated to telling stories that might not otherwise find a voice.

Darragh’s debut, Thanks for Having Me, certainly fits the bill. Infused with a welcome working-class vibe, it’s a fresh, sophisticated take on the “bad mother”, following three generations of women who love their daughters, but do not love being parents. Mothers who walk out on their kids are among the last true taboos, but Darragh presents these emotionally complex interwoven narratives with enormous subtlety, compassion, clarity – and humour. She also manages to take a series of vividly specific situations and give them universal appeal. We all agreed Thanks for Having Me is one of the most accomplished novels – debut or otherwise – we’ve seen in a long time.’ 

Emma Darragh said of her win:

‘What an honour it is to receive The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize for Thanks for Having Me. While I was writing it, I wasn’t sure anyone would even want to read it – an experimental book about girlhood and motherhood and growing up in the suburbs – let alone celebrate it like this! Readings is an Aussie literary institution, and such recognition and support mean so much to me.’