We are thrilled to announce ‘Mend the Living’ by Maylis de Kerangal, translated by Jessica Moore, as the winner of the 2017 Wellcome Book Prize.
Val McDermid commented on behalf of the judging panel:
“‘Mend the Living’ is a metaphorical and lyrical exploration of the journey of one heart and two bodies. Over 24 hours we travel from trauma to hope, discovering both the humane aspect of organ donation and the internal dramas of those affected by it. Compelling, original and ambitious, this novel illuminates what it is to be human.”
Kirty Topiwala, Publisher at Wellcome Collection and Wellcome Book Prize Manager, said:
“The quality of submissions for the 2017 Wellcome Book Prize has been exceptionally high, and we are thrilled that the judging panel has chosen ‘Mend the Living’ as our winner. Not only it is an incredibly powerful and emotionally affecting novel – beautifully translated by Jessica Moore – but it offers a valuable insight into organ donation, and brings new understanding to the lives touched by the transplant process.”