An author whose previous jobs include working as an avocado picker, a magazine editor and a greengrocer has claimed the Dundee International Book Prize 2015.
Swedish-born Martin Cathcart Froden, 37, penned a short story about a lightning-quick cyclist who becomes embroiled in the work of underground crime.
Set in 1920s London, Mr Cathcart Froden’s book, Devil Take The Hindmost, focuses on the trials and tribulations of a velodrome racer so fast his exploits attract the interests of criminals, who ask him to win races, stage losses and to run important messages.
The author will receive a prize of £10,000 and a publishing deal with Freight Books after emerging from an intensely competitive field of almost 500 entries.
The far-travelled writer, who has spent time living in Canada, Israel, Argentina and London, spoke of his delight after seeing years of hard work come to fruition.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=H0g7PJKIDXk%3Frel%3D0
He said: “I am absolutely over the moon! Winning the Dundee International Book Prize is a dream come true.
“It’s one of those life-changing surprises. I am so, so happy.”
Dundee International Book Prize is a collaboration between Dundee University’s Literary Dundee initiative, Freight Books and Dundee City Council’s One City, Many Discoveries campaign, with the support of Apex Hotels.
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Courier or try our digital edition.