Hull wins RNA Joan Hessayon Award for debut novel

Suzie Hull has won the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Joan Hessayon Award for her debut novel In This Foreign Land (Orion Dash). 

The award is for authors whose debut novels have gone through the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme and are subsequently accepted for publication.

RNA chair Jean Fullerton said: “In This Foreign Land is a powerful debut novel by Suzie Hull and a must read for any historical fiction fans. It’s an engrossing tale that takes the reader from Edwardian Colonial Cairo across to strife torn Ireland and then to stifling class-conscious First World War London. Meticulous in its research, Ms Hull is to be congratulated on delivering such a page-turning and emotionally satisfying novel.”

Thorne Ryan, judge, and publishing director of Avon, added: “Suzie Hull’s In This Foreign Land is a sweeping, romantic wartime novel with a refreshing difference. Suzie evokes both the era and the various locations beautifully, especially Egypt, and as I read it I felt truly transported. She pulled on my heartstrings on every page. I couldn’t believe it was a debut, and I think Suzie has a very bright future ahead of her.” 

The award ceremony was held on 16th July at Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire, as part of the RNA’s annual conference.