Strong Words 2019

Discover the profound insights of contemporary New Zealand writing with 'Strong Words 2019', a remarkable collection of essays expertly curated by editor Emma Neale. This paperback edition, measuring 215 x 165 x 20 mm, comprises 184 insightful pages, showcasing the best works from the prestigious Landfall Essay Competition 2018. Neale faced the daunting task of selecting from a pool of 90 high-quality submissions, eventually narrowing it down to ten exceptional essays that resonate with readers. These thought-provoking pieces embody Virginia Woolf's idea of art that 'stings us wide awake,' offering readers a unique blend of inspiration and contemplation. Whether you are a lover of literature, a student seeking essays for study, or just someone wanting to explore the best in New Zealand prose, 'Strong Words 2019' is an essential addition to your book collection. Delve into a celebration of nuanced perspectives and compelling narratives that have the power to mesmerize and awaken your intellect. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the richness of modern essay writing from New Zealand’s talented writers.

Author: Emma Neale Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 215 x 165 x 20 mm
Pages: 184
Publication Date: 01-11-2019

Judging her first Landfall Essay Competition in 2018, Landfall editor Emma Neale was seriously challenged. The overall high quality of the 90 submissions made it impossible to choose. After a nails-bitten-to-the-quick struggle, she optimistically submitted her ‘shortlist’ of 21 essays. The publisher had some strong words with her. Emma was told a shortlist needed to be shorter than 21. A lot shorter. There were no fingernails left to chew. She wasn’t flexible enough to bite her toes. The only thing left to gnaw down was the too-long list. In the end she pared the list back to 10 but it seemed so wasteful not to be awarding many more prizes. The world needed to be able to read these damned fine essays. That’s when this book was born … Strong Words is a striking collection of essays that show what Virginia Woolf once described as the art that can at once ‘sting us wide awake’ and yet also ‘fix us in a trance which is not sleep but rather an intensification of life’. It celebrates an extraordinary year in New Zealand writing.