19 June 2018
Set in a dystopian, not-too distant future, the novel takes the traditional south Wales novel of urban decay into completely new territory.
The Betty Trask Prize is presented for a first novel by a writer under 35. Past winners include Zadie Smith, David Szalay, Hari Kunzru and Sarah Waters. Total prize and award fund is £26,250.
Judges Ben Brooks, Joanne Harris and Samantha Shannon have selected six books that reflect the excellent quality and diversity of new writers today.
The awards, presented by Stephen Fry, will take place at RIBA on 19 July and will host to 400 guests from across publishing and Society of Authors membership.
The Betty Trask Prize 2018 Shortlist
Bad Idea \ Chemicals by Lloyd Markham is selected to the Wales Literature Exchange 2017 - 2018 Bookcase, our annual selection of Welsh literary works which we recommend for translation.
Read more about the novel here.