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.
What’s Hot Right Now: 8 pop culture picks
In need of some inspiration? Here’s everything you need to listen, watch, shop and browse right now.
A Chat With: Irene Solà
We chatted with Irene Solà on her incredibly inventive and immersive novel, When I Sing, Mountains Dance, which won the 2023 Nota Bene Prize.
Meet the Judges: Oenone Forbat
Meet the judges! Podcaster, influencer and now a debut author, Oenone Forbat is the Host and Chair of Judges for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize. We sat down to chat with her about all things books!
Review: When I Sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà, Winner of the Nota Bene Prize 2023
Winner of the 2023 Nota Bene Prize, When I Sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà, translated by Mara Faye Lethem.
Review: I’m A Fan by Sheena Patel
Shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize, I’m A Fan by Sheena Patel is a remarkable debut that encompasses social media, patriarchal systems and status anxiety into an emotionally visceral whole.
Meet the Judges: Sapphire Bates
Meet the judges! Influencer and business owner turned indie bookshop owner, Sapphire is at the heart of connecting books with readers and celebrates books online and IRL from her shop in Ramsgate, Book Bodega.
Review: I’m Sorry You Feel That Way by Rebecca Wait
Shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize, I’m Sorry You Feel That Way is a compelling domestic comedy about complex family dynamics, mental health and the intricacies of sibling relationships.
A Chat With: Julia Armfield
We chatted with the wonderful Julia Armfield on her debut novel, Our Wives Under The Sea, which is shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize.
Review: Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris
Shortlisted for the 2023 Nota Bene Prize, Black Butterflies is a breathtaking story of disintegration, resilience and hope. Priscilla’s debut novel is inspired by real accounts and family history of the siege of Sarajevo.
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.