Bullaun Press has garnered the Republic of Consciousness prize for small presses with 'There's a Monster Behind the Door' by Gaelle Belem, a vibrant picaresque novel exploring themes of colonialism and societal issues. Set in 1980s Reunion Island, the book reflects on postcolonial legacies and notable experiences of adolescence. Judges recognized its dark humor and energetic style, highlighting its departure from traditional trauma narratives. The novel, also longlisted for the International Booker prize, showcases the talent of its translators and Bullaun Press's dedication to literature in translation, initiated by Bridget Farrell in 2021.
"There's a Monster Behind the Door is a rollicking, sardonic picaresque... It has important things to say about colonialism and society, but it's also tremendous fun." - Judge Houman Barekat
"The novel interrogates postcolonial legacies, domestic abuse and a young girl's rite of passage... with the lightest of touches." - Judge Jude Cook
"Her tragi-comedy novel disrupts the tired trope of the trauma novel and critiques postcolonial narratives... The writing is lively, supple and vigorous." - Judge Alice Jolly
#bullaun-press #republic-of-consciousness-prize #literature-in-translation #gaelle-belem #postcolonial-literature
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