AN OXFORD Brookes University lecturer has won a major literary prize.
Dr Mary Jean Chan, lecturer in creative writing, has been announced as the winner of the poetry category in the Costa Book Awards.
She is one of five writers now shortlisted for the Costa Book of the Year, to be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, January 28.
Dr Chan was recognised for her debut collection Flèche published by Faber & Faber in July, 2019.
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The title Flèche, is the French word for ‘arrow’ and also refers to an offensive technique in fencing.
Dr Chan took part in the competitive sport as a young adult in Hong Kong.
The poems explore complex themes of multilingualism, queerness, and cultural history.
Dr Chan said: “I am absolutely thrilled to win the 2019 Costa Book Award for Poetry for my debut collection Flèche.
"I never imagined that my book would be received so positively when I first started writing it in 2016. I am so grateful to all my poetry mentors.”
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Prof Rachel Langford Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences added: “I am delighted that Dr Mary Jean Chan’s exceptional talent has been recognised.”
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