Patricia Lockwood has won the £20,000 (about $24,405) Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize for her debut novel No One Is Talking About This, published in the U.S. by Riverhead Books. Founded in 2006, the Dylan Thomas Prize is awarded annually for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 years or younger, in the form of poetry, novels, short stories or drama.
The organizers said Lockwood's novel "unpacks modern day internet culture and its impact on the individual psyche with immense sensitivity and surreptitious humor." Chair of judges and author Namita Gokhale said: "No One Is Talking About This is a searingly witty and innovative take on modern day internet culture, and the experience of family trauma in the modern world. The book's flow of consciousness, almost diary-like in quality, is remarkably deft at capturing the psychological impact which simultaneous alienation and 'group think' life online has on us as individuals. Lockwood is an astonishing and wholly original new voice. We are delighted that the jury of the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize decided on her debut novel as its choice for the 2022 prize. We cannot wait to see what comes next from this uncompromising talent."
Lockwood received the prize yesterday at a ceremony in Swansea University's Great Hall, two days before International Dylan Thomas Day.