Writer and poet Alys Conran has been shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas International Prize for her debut novel Pigeon, published by Parthian Books.

Launched in 2006, the accolade is the largest literary prize in the world for young writers at £30,000. Awarded for the best published literary work in the English language, written by an author aged 39 or under, the prize is named after the Swansea-born writer, Dylan Thomas, and celebrates his 39 years of creativity and productivity. One of the most influential, internationally-renowned writers of the mid-twentieth century, the prize invokes his memory to support the writers of today and nurture the talents of tomorrow.

The judging panel is chaired by Professor Dai Smith, of Swansea University, who said of this year’s shortlist: “From a deeply impressive long list of 12 works of literature from across the globe, the judges, after a lengthy discussion, decided on six works whose sheer quality, originality and dazzle factor stood out. We have a novella from Sri Lanka, two collections of short stories, one from Australia and the other from the USA, a book of poetry and a novel from English authors, and a debut novel from Wales. They are all winners in themselves, but the eventual overall winner, to be announced in Swansea on May 10th, will again ensure, coming from this dazzling list, that the International Dylan Thomas Prize, in partnership with Swansea University, will amaze and delight readers around the world.”

This year’s judging panel also features: poet and scholar, Professor Kurt Heinzelman; Alison Hindell, Head of Audio Drama, UK for the BBC; novelist and Professor Sarah Moss, and author Prajwal Parajuly.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday 10 May at Swansea University’s Great Hall, in the run up to International Dylan Thomas Day on 14 May.

The shortlist in full

• The Story of a Brief Marriage by Anuk Arudpragasam, Sri Lanka (Granta)
• Pigeon by Alys Conran, Wales (Parthian)
• Cain by Luke Kennard, England (Penned in the Margins)
• The High Places by Fiona McFarlane, Australia (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)
• The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry, England (Serpent’s Tail)
• Dog Run Moon: Stories by Callan Wink, US (Granta).