Yesterday, we were thrilled to see Flavorwire favorite Amelia Gray’s first novel, Threats, among the (also very good) 2013 nominees for the storied PEN/Faulkner award. The novel is so strange, so mischievous, so daring, that we have to admit our (pleasant!) surprise that it found its way onto such a high-profile shortlist. With a few notable exceptions, in our experience these things tend to stick a little closer to the mainstream. That said, Threats is definitely worthy of the honor — and the entire list skews a little left of center, so bravo to the judges for that. We pounced on Amelia to ask her thoughts about her nomination, and here’s what she told us:
I’m so grateful to the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, the thoughtful consideration from writers I’ve long admired, and the stunning writers and presses with whom I share the honor. I feel hesitant to call myself a true equal to this crowd but I can at least consider the prospect without barfing all over myself.
So can we, Amelia. So can we.