British-Ghanian Author Caleb Azumah Nelson has been announced as the winner of the  Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize for his novel, Small Worlds.

The Dylan Thomas Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for young writers, aimed at encouraging raw creative talent worldwide. The prize is named after the Swansea-born writer, Dylan Thomas, and celebrates his 39 years of creativity and productivity.

Caleb Anzumah Nelson is the author of Open Water and Small Worlds.

His second novel, Small Worlds, was described as ‘Anthemic’. The panel, represented by Namita Gokhale, Chair of 2024 Judges, said:

“Amid a hugely impressive shortlist that showcased a breadth of genres and exciting new voices, we were unanimous in our praise for this viscerally moving, heartfelt novel. There is a musicality to Caleb Azumah Nelson’s writing, in a book equally designed to be read quietly and listened aloud. Images and ideas recur to beautiful effect, lending the symphonic nature of Small Worlds an anthemic quality, where the reader feels swept away by deeply realised characters as they traverse between Ghana and South London, trying to find some semblance of a home. Emotionally challenging yet exceptionally healing, Small Worlds feels like a balm: honest as it is about the riches and the immense difficulties of living away from your culture.”

Caleb Azumah Nelson was awarded the £20,000 global accolade at a ceremony held in Swansea on Thursday, 16 May. In his speech, he thanked his editor, agent, family, and partner and commended the other writers who made the prize shortlist.

Shortlisted writers for the 2024 Dylan Thomas Prize are:

• A Spell of Good Things by Ayòbámi Adébáyò
• The Glutton by A. K. Blakemore
• Bright Fear by Mary Jean Chan
• Local Fires by Joshua Jones
• Biography of X by Catherine Lacey

Learn how to write a worthy novel for submissions such as the Dylan Thomas Prize.