River East, River West shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024
We are ecstatic to announce that River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure has been selected for the much-awaited Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 shortlist!
We asked Aube what the achievement means to her as a debut author.
Dear Readers,
When I set out to write River East, River West six years ago, I was in my mid-twenties, living in a shoebox studio by the Atlantic Ocean in Boston, and determined to make my greatest love – writing – a full-time career. I read voraciously while drafting my manuscript, and many literary luminaries whose work electrified me – Ann Patchett, Zadie Smith, Tayari Jones, Barbara Kingsolver – are writers honoured by the Women’s Prize.
Many literary luminaries whose work electrified me – Ann Patchett, Zadie Smith, Tayari Jones, Barbara Kingsolver – are writers honoured by the Women’s Prize
To be shortlisted today for my first published novel is a gift that moves me beyond words: it gives me strength to continue pursuing this art, and is also a testament of the trust that readers, judges, and my incredible publishing team have placed in me. I am so grateful to Duckworth Books and the whole team at this small but mighty independent publishing house who have championed this book with their whole hearts.
To be shortlisted today for my first published novel is a gift that moves me beyond words
As a multicultural writer whose family is spread across Europe and Asia, it’s always been my dream for River East, River West to be published in the UK and reach many readers and many countries – the Women’s Prize shortlisting now makes that a reality. I am humbled to have my book recognized this year alongside writers I admire deeply, and look forward to conversing with them and readers and booksellers on many future UK visits.
Thanks all!
Aube
A darkly glittering literary debut that traces a mixed family’s troubled trajectory through developing China
Literary fiction
Hardback
Available now
ISBN 9780715655009
Paperback
Available from 2 May 2024
ISBN 9780715655627
A mesmerising reversal of the east–west immigrant narrative set against China’s economic boom, River East, River West is a deeply moving exploration of race, identity and family, of capitalism’s false promise and private dreams.
Shanghai, 2007: feeling betrayed by her American mother’s engagement to their rich landlord Lu Fang, fourteen-year-old Alva begins plotting her escape. But the exclusive American School – a potential ticket out – is not what she imagined.
Qingdao, 1985: newlywed Lu Fang works as a lowly shipping clerk. Though he aspires to a bright future, he is one of many casualties of harsh political reforms. Then China opens up to foreigners and capital, and Lu Fang meets a woman who makes him question what he should settle for…
