By Kevin Duffy • Published 5th April 2013
In an almost science fictional twist of destiny, Adrian Barnes – the author of Nod, which has been shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award – has revealed his science fiction inspiration was none other than the master himself: Sir Arthur C. Clarke.
After receiving the news yesterday that he is a contender for Britain’s most prestigious science fiction book prize, Barnes said: ‘The novels of Arthur C. Clarke were an early inspiration for me and 2001: A Space Odyssey was the start of a lifelong love of science fiction. Consequently, I couldn’t be happier to find myself nominated for this award. It’s a thrill and an honour.’
The achievement is all the more remarkable because Nod is Barnes’s debut novel. He beat stiff, record-breaking competition to make it onto the six-book shortlist. There were 82 titles submitted for consideration, more than in any previous year since the award started in 1987.
Barnes will be flying over from Vancouver to attend the award ceremony, which will take place at the Royal Society, London, on 1st May.
