Small Rain van Garth Greenwell krijgt dit jaar The Pen/Faulkner Award voor beste fictie. De schrijver ontvangt een bedrag van 15.000 dollar. De jury moest een keuze maken uit de 414 romans en verhalenbundels die in 2024 waren uitgekomen.

Garth Greenwell has wrought a narrative of illness and identity in visceral detail, conveyed with a precision of language that steals the breath,” said this year’s judges. “The novel’s harrowing narrative is also a mode of anti-narrative that traces the textured chronology of hospital life. Even as the narrator’s body succumbs to needles, scans, blood draws, and bureaucracy, the novel affirms the power of art, love, and connection–if not to heal, then to soothe and salve. Small Rain is a dazzling, gutting, unforgettable novel.

Op Twitter reageert Greenwell:

I don’t know what to say, except that I’m very grateful to the judges, & very moved to see my book included alongside such excellent writers.

De andere genomineerden waren:
* Pemi Aguda – Ghostroots
* Susan Muaddi Darraj – Behind You Is the Sea
* Percival Everett – James
* Danzy Senna – Colored Television

Het eerste boek van Greenwell, What Belongs to You, verscheen onder de titel Wat van jou is bij Atlas Contact.