¶November 10, 2011:

Lucy Caldwell has won the 2011 Dylan Thomas Prize for her novel "The Meeting Point". Judges described the novel as "a beautifully written and mature reflection on identity, loyalty and belief in a complex world",

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in the late Welsh poet's home city of Swansea, Lucy said Wales had played a major role in getting her career up and running. "In many ways my career started here. My very first play was premiered in Chapter arts centre in Cardiff."

The founder of the University of Wales Dylan Thomas Prize, Prof Peter Stead, said: "The Meeting Point is a lyrical modern day parable set in Bahrain depicting the crises in the faith and marriage of an Irish woman and her relationship with a troubled Muslim teenager. It is a beautifully written and mature reflection on identity, loyalty and belief in a complex world. We have no doubt that this is yet another significant step in what will undoubtedly be a striking career."

 

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Lucy Caldwell had been awarded The Rooney Prize for Irish Literature for 2011, in recognition of her achievement and outstanding promise as a novelist and dramatist. The announcement was made by the Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Dr Patrick Prendergast at a reception in the Residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America to Ireland on October 25th 2011 Previous winners of the Rooney Prize include Bernard Farrell, Neil Jordan, Frank McGuinness, Deirdre Madden and Anne Enright.

Commenting on the significance of Lucy’s work Dr Brown said she addresses difficult personal issues in complex cultural settings with a rare combination of sensitivity and acute intelligence. (more information)

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When Euan and Ruth set off with their young daughter to live in Bahrain, it is meant to be an experience and adventure they will cherish. But on the night they arrive, Ruth discovers the truth behind the missionary work Euan has planned and feels her world start to crumble. Far from home, and with events spiralling towards war in nearby Iraq, she starts to question her faith – in Euan, in their marriage and in all she has held dear.

With Euan so often away, she is confined to their guarded compound with her neighbours and, in particular, Noor, a troubled teenager recently returned to Bahrain to live with her father. Confronted by temptations and doubt, each must make choices that could change all of their lives for ever. Compelling, passionate and deeply resonant, The Meeting Point is a novel about idealism and innocence, about the unexpected turns life can take and the dangers and chances that await us.

Lucy Caldwell's haunting second novel… is compulsively readable. Its technical accomplishment, incrementally raising suspense, involving us in its characters' desires and designs, attests to Caldwell's skills as a playwright.
Stevie Davies, The Guardian(read more)

‘a beautifully written novel that manages to address the momentous subjects of love and loss, and faith and betrayal, with a calm and quiet grace.'
Lucy Scholes, Sunday Times. (read more)

'Beautifully written, The Meeting Point is a passionate, sensitive exploration of the lies that make family life possible and the compromises contained in every expression of love'
Kate Williams, Financial Times(read more)

'[a] beautifully controlled and finely crafted work…'
Ross Gilfillan, Daily Mail (read more)

‘The Meeting Point is a skilful piece of craftsmanship with an emotional charge that is both cathartic and moving. It will stay with you.’
Freya McClelland , Independent (read more)