AN author brought up in North Yorkshire has failed to see his first novel win Britain's oldest literary award.
Ray Robinson, 35, originally from Bedale but now living in London, was one of six writers shortlisted in the fiction section of this year's James Tait Black Memorial Prize, with a £10,000 first prize.
Mr Robinson drew on childhood experiences of epilepsy in his family to write Electricity, which tells the story of a 30-year-old epileptic woman trying to look after herself.
The James Tait Black Memorial Prize, founded in 1919, is awarded annually by Edinburgh University and this year's fiction winner, announced at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, was Cormac McCarthy for The Road.
When the shortlist was announced in July, Mr Robinson said: "I hope everyone in Bedale keeps their fingers crossed for Electricity, but I'd put a large bet on The Road to win."
Electricity has been considered for a film.
Mr Robinson's second novel, The Man Without, will be published next year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article