Winner of Booktrust Teenage Prize 2005
Century by Sarah Singleton has won the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2005. The Booktrust Teenage Prize recognises the best contemporary teenage fiction, celebrating the most significant books aimed at 13-16 year olds each year.
The prize was launched in 2003 with the Mark Haddon as its first winner for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
At a ceremony hosted by popular teen favourite, actress and presenter, Terri Dwyer, Singleton was presented with her trophy and a cheque for £1,500.
Geraldine Brennan, (Books Editor for The Times Educational Supplement and Chair of the Judges) said of the winner: "Century is a perfectly formed, highly visual and intriguing novel in the gothic tradition, with the timeless feel of Frankenstein or Dracula. It keeps the reader guessing as it moves through layers of time and rewards a careful reader with its many hints and clues, yet the language is accessible and the story draws the reader in.
"With major themes of grief, loss, the pointlessness of stopping time and the power struggle between parents and children, it sees its heroine, the older sister, triumph through courage and determination in the face of the terrifying unknown. The compelling mystery and the range of well drawn characters will appeal to both boys and girls. The judges believe that this excellent first novel deserves wide attention and we would all love to read more books by this author."
The prize was launched in 2003 with the Mark Haddon as its first winner for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
At a ceremony hosted by popular teen favourite, actress and presenter, Terri Dwyer, Singleton was presented with her trophy and a cheque for £1,500.
Geraldine Brennan, (Books Editor for The Times Educational Supplement and Chair of the Judges) said of the winner: "Century is a perfectly formed, highly visual and intriguing novel in the gothic tradition, with the timeless feel of Frankenstein or Dracula. It keeps the reader guessing as it moves through layers of time and rewards a careful reader with its many hints and clues, yet the language is accessible and the story draws the reader in.
"With major themes of grief, loss, the pointlessness of stopping time and the power struggle between parents and children, it sees its heroine, the older sister, triumph through courage and determination in the face of the terrifying unknown. The compelling mystery and the range of well drawn characters will appeal to both boys and girls. The judges believe that this excellent first novel deserves wide attention and we would all love to read more books by this author."
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