Jerry Hunter’s book shortlisted for Book of the Year

A book by a Professor from Bangor University’s School of Welsh has been shortlisted for the Welsh Book of the Year 2015.

Jerry Hunter is the author of Y Fro Dywyll, a historical novel set in Wales, England and north America, and published by Y Lolfa.

The author, who is also a Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University, has already published three novels for adults, five academic volumes and a novel for children.

Jerry Hunter, who is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio said: “I am clearly delighted that Y Fro Dywyll has been shortlisted for this year’s award. I am also pleased as it yet another success for the School of Welsh at Bangor University.” 

This isn’t the first time that staff from the University’s School of Welsh have tasted success in the literary world.

This is the eighth time that books by academics at the School have reached the shortlist, which includes books by Jason Walford Davies, Gerwyn Wiliams, Angharad Price and Jerry Hunter. Three books have actually won the Book of the Year award itself; Tir Neb by Gerwyn Wiliams in 1997, O! Tyn y Gorchudd by Angharad Price in 2003 and Llwch Cenhedloedd: Y Cymry a Rhyfel Cartref America by Jerry Hunter in 2004.

Staff from the School have also tasted success for their poetic and literary works at the National Eisteddfod over the years as well. Gerwyn Wiliams won the Crown in 1994 and Jason Walford Davies in 2004.  The winning novels in the Prose Medal competition were by Angharad Price in 2002, and Jerry Hunter in 2010.

The winner will be announced on the 4th of June. 

Publication date: 1 May 2015