A French prize
Alison Allen-Gray
I’m off to Le Mans next March because the French translation of my teenage novel Unique has been shortlisted for the Prix des lecteurs 2012 du Mans et de la Sarthe. The book has been shortlisted for several major UK prizes and each occasion has been different and tremendous fun, so I’m looking forward to sampling a French approach to celebrating books. I’m also nervous. I’ll be spending two days on school visits – sadly, my French isn’t good enough for me to articulate my thoughts about writing (I’m not sure my English is!) so a translator will be on hand at all times, and this in itself will be an interesting experience. It will, I imagine, give added focus to the responsibility to be clear and concise!
I very much admire what the French publisher, Bayard, has done with the cover. I think it gives out the right signals about the book’s content – a very subtle skill!
Buzz about Books 
Congratulations Alison! I do agree that the French cover and publicity really ‘hit the spot”. They give one a real frisson of anxiety, just as we felt when you read bits out in draft form to the group. It is a wonderful story. Good Luck with the prize! (I feel very tempted to pop over to Le Mans and be there at the Prize giving.. . .) Odette
Terrific, Alison. I really like the cover. I do hope that all goes well.
Elizabeth Hawksley
Salut Alison! Great news about your book – hope all goes well in France. I’m sure every French teen will jump on the book – they’re probably all sick of reading about Carla’s baby…