The Journal
The Note Bene Journal is where we’ll share all prize updates, author interviews, book reviews, and editorial pieces; it’s the very latest from Nota Bene, here for you to explore.
A Chat With: Rebecca Wait
We chatted with the wonderful Rebecca Wait on her new book, I'm Sorry You Feel That Way, which is shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize.
Meet the Judges: Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
Meet the judges! Quế Mai is the kind-hearted and brilliant author of Dust Child and The Mountains Sing, winner of our 2021 Prize. She is doing amazing work to centre Vietnamese stories and lives through her moving storytelling.
Review: Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
Shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize, Trespasses is a blistering account of encroaching violence and fractured loyalties in 1970's Belfast. Tender and devastating, this is an incredible debut novel from Louise Kennedy.
Meet the Judges: Shani Akilah
Meet the judges! We chatted with the talented Shani Akilah on all things books. Writer, Screenwriter and Content Creator, Shani has just received a book deal for her debut short story collection, For Such A Time As This.
7 empowering books to make you feel like 100% that b***h
The sumptuous, sisterhood-embracing books that will help you on your journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance to becoming a self-reliant, modern woman.
Meet the Judges: Naoise Dolan
Meet the judges! We chatted with the incredible Naoise Dolan on all things books. A young Irish novelist, Naoise is the author of two novels Exciting Times and The Happy Couple.
Review: Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
Shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize, Young Mungo is both a vivid portrayal of working-class life and the deeply moving story of the dangerous first love of two young men: Mungo and James.
A Chat With: Louise Kennedy
We chatted with Louise Kennedy all about her debut novel, Trespasses, which is shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize. We discussed contested identity and voice as someone navigating Irish political and religious lines, growing up during the Troubles.
Meet the Judges: Bobby Palmer
Meet the judges! We chatted with the lovely Bobby Palmer on all things books…
Review: Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield
Shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize, Our Wives Under The Sea is the haunting debut novel from Julia Armfield. It’s a story of falling in love, loss, grief, and what life there is in the deep, deep sea.
10 Books With Powerful Mental Health Narratives
Whether it’s to get you through the hardest of times, or to help you understand the people going through those times, these are the books tackling mental health in profound ways.
A Chat With: Priscilla Morris
Our wonderful editorial partners, nb Magazine, sat down with the incredible Priscilla Morris to discuss her debut novel, Black Butterflies, which is shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize. Their editor, Madeleine, speaks to Priscilla about her haunting yet hopeful book.
Meet the Judges: Madeleine Knowles
Meet the judges! We sat down with the wonderful Madeleine Knowles, editor of nb Magazine.
Review: ‘The Manningtree Witches’ by A. K. Blakemore
Every once in a while, you are fortunate enough to read a book that changes you. In three hundred or so pages, it takes you on a journey that challenges and changes your way of thinking. Read our review here.
A Chat With: Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
Winner of our 2021 prize, we sat down with Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai to discuss her incredible book The Mountains Sing.
Review: ‘Sorrow and Bliss’ by Meg Mason
Every once in a while, you are fortunate enough to read a book that changes you. In three hundred or so pages, it takes you on a journey that challenges and changes your way of thinking. Read our review here.
What’s Hot Right Now: 7 pop culture picks
In need of some inspiration? Here’s everything you need to listen to, watch, and browse right now.
7 Hot, European Summer Reads
Hot, sticky European summer reads to drift your way through the heat waves. Embrace the heat, senses and indulgence of summer life and put these reads on your TBR piles now. Viva la vida!
6 Books With Incredible Refugee Narratives
Most of us will never understand what it’s like to leave our homes and flee our country. That’s why this World Refugee Day we’re sharing our 6 favourite books that encapsulate the refugee experience…
Bookshop Spotlight: The Margate Bookshop
The Nota Bene Prize is all about celebrating the power of the reading community. This week we’re spotlighting The Margate Bookshop – an independent bookshop in the heart of Margate’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from the sea.