First novel in line for award

Alison Wong. Photo / Supplied

A first novel has been shortlisted for New Zealand's top literary honour.

As the Earth Turns Silver by Alison Wong is up against works by established writers Fiona Farrell and Owen Marshall in the fiction category of this year's New Zealand Post Book Awards.

Wong took 12 years to research and write the novel, which follows the secret relationship between a Pakeha woman and a Chinese immigrant in 1920s Wellington.

Judges' convener Stephen Stratford said it was always going to be a challenge, "but we agree that each of these three finalist books is convincing, compelling, superbly crafted and contributes distinctively to New Zealand's literature."

Sixteen finalists have been selected in the four categories of fiction, poetry, general non-fiction and illustrated non-fiction.

Stratford said illustrated non-fiction proved to be the standout category this year.

Winners will be announced on August 27. Voting for the People's Choice Award, where readers select the recipient of a $5000 prize, opens today.