Sunday Times Literary Awards longlists

The Sunday Times Literary Awards longlists are out and we are thrilled to have three titles on the Fiction Prize longlist and one on the Non-Fiction Prize longlist!

FICTION PRIZE

SALT WATER POOL BOY by PETER-ADRIAN ALTINI
ICE SHOCK by ELLEKE BOEHMER
THE FOURTH BOY by ANDREW ROBERT WILSON

NON-FICTION PRIZE

HOW TO BUILD A HOUSE IN THE MOUNTAINS by ROGER LUCEY

Click here for the full longlists:

Sunday Times Literary Awards

Congratulations to all longlisted authors!

Scenes from the Prince Albert Leesfees 2025

Taking part in the Prince Albert Leesfees this year felt like a homecoming for The Fourth Boy, Andrew Robert Wilson‘s debut novel, which is partly set in the Karoo, with several pivotal scenes of the novel taking place in Prince Albert itself.

Andrew and I were in conversation about the book early on Saturday morning and enjoyed many other events on this year’s programme. It was great to listen to Martin Steyn speak about his work again, and to meet and talk to Alex Hamilton, among other wonderful authors.

Prince Albert is a quirky place to explore. By now, I have my favourites – like the Prince Albert Art Gallery, The Lazy Lizard, the Saturday Market, the Green Prince Gin Bar and many, many more. Most recent discovery: ONS – not to be missed when you visit!

Highlight of the festival since last year is Poetry at Sunrise. Prince Albert is full of talented youngsters and to see them perform their creative work in the stunning quarry just outside of the town’s centre is a magical experience.

Thank you to Hannes Visser and all the hardworking volunteers who put this inspiring festival together! One day back home and I am already looking forward to the next Leesfees, and I sincerely hope that I will be visiting Prince Albert again even sooner. So many places still to explore and the Karoo … The space, the light, the incredible, harsh beauty of it all … I can never get enough of it!

Thank you to De Kleine Prince for hosting me for the weekend. I felt like I was living in a fairytale place.

Until next year, or sooner, dear Prince Albert!

Prince Albert Leesfees 2025

It is time for the Prince Albert Leefees again (29-31 August 2025) and we are delighted that Andrew Robert Wilson features on the programme with his debut novel, The Fourth Boy, which is partly set in Prince Albert and the surroundings.

He will be in conversation with Karina M. Szczurek on Saturday, 30 August, 9:00-9:40AM.

Full festival programme: