Dingwall publisher's title in line for major award

A DINGWALL publishing firm is celebrating one of its titles making the long list for a major literary award.

It is the second time in two years that a Sandstone Press book has been nominated for the Man Booker which carries a first prize of £50,000.

Eve Harris’s first novel The Marrying of Chani Kaufman, about the Jewish community in north London, is among the 13 authors long-listed for this year’s award.

Following the success, Sandstone Press is now bringing the publication forward for both paperback and e-book and has increased the print run.

Robert Davidson, Sandstone Press founder and managing director, said: "Congratulations first of all go to debut author Eve Harris on her astonishing achievement.

"With her first published novel she has achieved an incredibly engaging, sympathetic and often very funny narrative revolving around the great fulcrum of the 21st century, the collision of traditional religion and the modern world.

"Her story is about the Orthodox Jewish community in London, and especially about the place of women in it. Sandstone Press is proud to publish this fine new author and her wise, humane and important book.

"This is the second Sandstone Press appearance in the Man Booker long list in two years. The Testament of Jessie Lamb by Jane Rogers having appeared in 2011 with notable and continuing success.

"Over these two years the company has continued in rapid development in partnership withour seeling agents at Faber Factory Plus and with the support of creative Scotland, which we intend to continue from our base here in the Highlands."

Seven of the 13 longlisted authors are women and three are debut novelists.

The shortlist of six will be unveiled on September 10, and the £50,000 prizewinner on October 15.