The Polari First Book Prize

A great prize with a really diverse shortlist. Hopefully this will give the necessary surge of confidence in contemporary queer fiction the industry seems to need - thank you for organising this and for continuing to run the exceedingly fabulous Polari literary Salon! I personally loved London Triptych - go Jonathan Kemp! Though Homo Jihad is also a great novel.

Homo Jihad is a brave and passionate book which deals head on with the complex relationship between gay life in the noughties and the religious controversies of that time. Tim Graves steps into the maelstrom of East London life at the time of the 7/7 bombings and tackles such issues as the challenges of being a gay teacher in a predominantly Muslim state school, the traumas of terrorist attacks and the difficulties of being gay and religious. Graves unpicks these issues with humanity and clear-
sightedness against a richly drawn portrait of eclectic East London. Not only a page-turning read, this is a courageous investigation of some of our most pressing cultural issues.

I've just finished Homo Jihad, I loved going on the journey with David (the main character), I felt real empathy for him and didn't want it to end!

Absolutely loved Homo Jihad! A really brave book in many ways. Definately deserves the prize in my view... can't wait for his next novel.

I really enjoyed "Homo Jihad", it completely captures a time and place. East London, early 21st century. The main character David is someone I could relate to, as he follows his journey to love in a physical, emotional and spiritual sense. The descriptions, especially in some of the school scenes, ring true and made me laugh out loud. A great read!

Love, Hope and High Heels

A woman's journey through life. Truly outstanding and moving poetry, clearly written by a young lady with something to say about life.

Thanks Paul for your continued dedication to promoting LGBT fiction.

I've read three of the books on the shortlist. All were great but my vote goes to Homo Jihad because it works on so many levels: as a contemporary love story; a London novel; gay fiction; and a comment on the tensions between religion and sexuality. But first and foremost, it's a great read.

Ooooh I've read Homo Jihad! Great book. That's my winner.

Wanted you to know that Love, Hope and High Heels is also popular across the pond. I particularly love the honesty, clarity and poignancy of Clare's language. As many have reported, if you have the chance to hear her read her work - run don't walk. Mesmerizing.

Met Clare in Spain, bought her book when I returned, I love it, it is so much from the heart, sad and funny but beautiful, having met her makes it even more apealing

All five books are well worth reading, James.

"Homo Jihad" by Timothy Graves is fresh and contemporary, funny and deeply moving. The novel tackles religious extremism and homophobia, but remains open to spirituality; the main character is in some ways immersed in the hedonism of the Vauxhall scene but the book doesn't come across as your run-of-the-mill gay drugs-and-debauchery novel, instead it's emotionally honest and Graves isn't afraid to expose his main character's vulnerability and desire for real intimacy. At the same time it's never earnest - the book has a line in snappy patter and a hilarious, wacky sense of humour.

Any ideas as to which one i should try next?

I've just finished Julian. I am definitely going to model myself on him.

It's certainly not easy, Andy. Not with such a strong shortlist.

I know three of the books very well ('London Triptych', 'Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar' and 'Autofellatio'). I will, of course, be reading the others in due course. All of the books have been wonderfully well-written and all of them are very different. I would find it almost impossible to choose a winner and I suspect the judges are finding it difficult too.

This is such an important award! Keep up the great work!
DJ Connell's Julian is a refreshing godsend. It's so rare to find a comical character written with such endearing charm, and a book dealing with teenage homosexulaity/ coming out so wittily and naturally. Proper good fun in a subject area so often filled with angst!

My goodness. so much about clare campbell. and almost nothing about the male writers. does their readership not do social networking? i'd like to read what some of their fans say. where would i need to go to find them? any ideas?

It's damn difficult to write a first-rate, character driven, humorous novel. Decades go by and thousands of books are published where the blurb proclaims, 'you will laugh out loud'. I'm always disappointed. DJ Connell's, Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar doesn't disappoint. It delivers on comedy, character, plot, insight into the human condition - it is a comedy classic

All wonderful books by amazing authors, DJ Connell's book had me laughing out loud from start to finish fabulous.

I loved this book of poetry. Claire is a wordsmith who crafts her poems from those poignant and intimate experiences of life and love. Her words convey both gentle reflection and hope in the human spirit. This has to be a winner!

I went along to the bookshop event to introduce the writers for this prize and was blown away by Clare Campbell's poetry and her delivery of her funny and moving poems were performed and read so convincingly . I went to hear Jonathan Kemp read London Triptych which is a great book too, so I would love either of these two talented writers to win. Heres to truth and beauty not often conveyed in such an honest way.

I have read "Love, Hope and High Heels" and have to say I found it a most excellent piece of contemporary lesbian fiction. Relevant, funny, accessible and ultimately optimistic. Clare's prose flows and sometimes surges washing the reader in human experiences of so many hues that one is enriched at every reading. Her choice of words and pacing is all vunerablle warrior that speaks to each of us who have ever loved lost regaiined a sense of self started projects loved the small gifts enjoyed a certain soundtrack to life which is brought to mind by her poetry. A delightful insightful read.

James Maker, ALL THE WAY!!

"Love, Hope and High Heels "by Clare Campbell; what a precious gemstone of a book ! Every woman (and indeed Man!) should have a copy at the end of their beds. I delve into my copy often and every time I do....I see or feel something different between the lines of Clare's utterly authentic and juicy words. Always a treat.
Clare Campbell is a wizard woman with words, weaving honest, evocative and poignantly written lines to paint a thousand pictures in the minds eye in full technicolour. Her delightful descriptions conjure the sounds, smells and senses that surround each of her mini stories giving a deeply personal and very touching glimpse into Clare's inner world.
Each poem is clearly written from a heart that has 'felt' and mind that has 'thought' so deeply. She bravely shares moments of a very personal and magical journey in all its' beauty, rawness, darkness and wobbles! . Her bravery to share both sad and joyous stories with such truth gives me trust in my own trials and tribulations; it's all part of the journey. And it's ok to wobble!
It's official: My imagination drinks up this book!

Love, Hope and High Heels must win! Clare Campbell is a very talented poet and artist who manages to capture the most intimate moments and translate them onto the page in a way that all readers can relate to. She should win....

Re Clare Campbell's "love, hope and high heels"....I am immensely touched by her poetry. It is real. Nothing contrived as some poetry in many genres have me feeling that way. There is passion...there is honesty. Some is so very simple...and some you can revisit and dig deeper and deeper at each read and arrive at new revelations. This is a gift from a woman's soul.....reaching deep and delivering delicious words to wrap ourselves around in comfort or embrace the pain that Clare has felt like many when expressing heartfelt sorrow. I have this collection. I love it....and hope many more people get to share this gift from Clare Campbell

Five very different books representing a broad spectrum of lesbiand gay experiences make up an excellent shortlist.

Claire Campbell poetry is wonderfully touching in the memories it brings up of my own life. Makes me feel so much more closer to friends and strangers alike in how fabulously similar and excitingly different we all are. Well done, Claire. Just want to hug you loads for this delicious book.

The poems in 'Love, Hope & High Heels' are so intimately personal and honest, they leave you completely immersed in the emotion of that particular piece. Absolutely beautiful...I have read them again and again and the book takes pride of place on my bedside table.

'Love, Hope & High Heels' is a moving and utterly gorgeous collection of poetry. Clare bares her soul in her poems, the emotions are sometimes raw, sometimes painful, but always leave the reader so uplifted and brimming with hope and joy. This book should be read by everyone.

Clare Campbell's book 'Love, Hope and High Heels' is a beautiful book of poems that are heartfelt and real. My favourite poems are 'Dad' and 'Our Clare' they always make people smile when she reads them and her poems bring people together, I always go back to them when I am feeling a bit down because they never fail to cheer me up.

The shortlisted books all look great - I've only read Julian Corkle so far and it's brilliant!

We had the pleasure of Clare reading her poetry from Love, Hope, and High Heels to the women who access Armistead Womens group.
Needless to say copies were sold. Great writer and always guaranteed to make you smile.
Good luck Clare from all at Armistead

When I first came across Love Hope & High Heels, I asked Clare if I could use one of her poems on my website, as they inspire me so much. Her poems are pure in their authenticity and when Clare reads 'My dad had dreams my dad had dreams once my dad was a little boy...' my eyes are filling with tears for my own dad and the little boy he once was. Clare's poems talk about life, love, heartbreaks and juicy moments. They are sensitive and will touch many.

I read Love, Hope and High Heels by Clare Campbell after it was given to me as a present. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. There is so much in this litle book that everyone can relate to regardless of their sexuality or gender. Clutched at my emotions and brought memories flooding back. A brilliant piece of work.

When I first came across Love Hope & High Heels, I asked Clare if I could use one of her poems on my website, as they inspire me so much. Her poems are pure in their authenticity and when Clare reads 'My dad had dreams my dad had dreams once my dad was a little boy...' my eyes are filling with tears for my own dad and the little boy he once was. Clare's poems talk about life, love, heartbreaks and juicy moments. They are sensitive and will touch many.

So far I've only read "Julian Corkle Is A Filthy Liar". I laughed all the way through it. I loved it so much that I am now motivated to read the other finalists for this literary prize.

I am thoroughly enjoying reading my way through the shortlist. So far I have read Homo Jihad, Autofellatio and Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar. They are all very different yet each reveals something profound about the LGBT experience. It's a very strong shortlist.

Thank for all the comments so far. Please keep them coming. We want to know what you think about the prize and this year's shortlist.

Forget the Gideon Bible, every hotel room should have a copy of 'Autofellatio' in the top drawer. THE best read you'll get this year. Or any other for that matter.

I read Love, Hope and High Heels by Clare Campbell on a train to London. I cried most of the journey and couldn't put it down...Clare is a highly skilled poet, she tells her life story and struggles in an authentic and vulnerable way, with clever structure and rhythm. An inspirational collection, looking forward to the next...

Love, Hope and High Heels is a fabulously all-embracing collection, full of love, laughter and a deep sense of recognition. Following the writer's path through life I found myself identifying with so much..... I remember that!..... she's talking about my Dad!......I've been there! Regardless of the readers' sexuality or life experiences this book is a treasure for the soul and a poetry collection to appeal to those who don't
even know they like poetry!

Love Hope and High Heels, is an incredible poetry book, it touches every part of your heart and soul. I was bought this book for a present and after reading it in one sitting it is now kept on my bedside table where I often pick it up to read. Ms Campbell manages to express every emotion in her truly beautiful and inspiring poetry. I urge everyone to go and buy a copy as in my opinion whatever your gender, we all need love hope and high heels in our lives!

Love Hope & High Heels is an outstanding collection of poetry. Ms Campbells voice is heartfelt, athentic and overwhelmingly original. The Lyrical prose is joyess, poignant and brutally honest. I devoured the book in a single sitting. Anyone who has ever loved regardless of gender will find these poems speak to them from the heart. A magnificant and outstanding new voice in poetry. Let.s make sure it is heard!

I was first introduced to love hope & high heels at a poetry reading. I bought a copy, went home and read it from cover to cover. This work is a wonderful tribute to the joys and pains of intimate relationships, which we can all relate to. Clare Campbell shares her experiences with such bravery and honesty, and talks about love & hope in a way many of us wouldnt even be brave enough to whisper to ourselves. There really is something for everyone in this gorgeous collection of poems. You will laugh, cry and sigh all in the same sittingl!!!

The Polari Prize is great way to bring attention to books by first time authors, many published by small presees, shich otherwise may be overlooked.
The one I have read so far is 'Love, hope & High Heels' by Clare Campbell.
HEre is an intimate portrait that gives a clear sense of place, sexuality, spirituality & friendships.
The title is a relection of what is inside. poems of love & hope written in a sassy accessible style.
They sound great both on the page & when performed - in workshops and the occisional poetry reading.
Get hold of a copy and enjoy.

I first read 'Love Hope and High Heels' on a getaway in the Yorkshire Dales. Once finnished - i started it again and reread it. Clare Campbell has a way of writing that enables the reader to share her experiences. Her poems both moved me to tears and made me laugh out loud. She has a unique way of expression that we can all identify with. This book has inspired me to begin to write myself and is never very far away from reach. A worthy prize winner!!!

'Love, Hope and High Heels' is a poignant, tender and sometimes blissful description of lesbian life. The author is so imaginative and refreshing ~ I just love it!