We in the Literary Initiatives office at the Library of Congress are thrilled to announce some big, happy news!
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced today that the 2024 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction will be awarded to James McBride.
One of the Library’s most prestigious awards, the annual Prize for American Fiction honors an American literary writer whose body of work is distinguished not only for its mastery of the art but also for its originality of thought and imagination.
“I’m honored to bestow the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction on a writer as imaginative and knowing as James McBride,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said. “McBride knows the American soul deeply, reflecting our struggles and triumphs in his fiction, which so many readers have intimately connected with. I, also, am one of his enthusiastic readers.”
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The award seeks to commend strong, unique, enduring voices that — throughout consistently accomplished careers — have told us something essential about the American experience.
“I wish my mom were still alive to know about this,” McBride said. “I’m delighted and honored. Does it mean I can use the Library? If so, I’m double thrilled.”
James McBride is the author of the bestselling novel “Deacon King Kong;” “The Good Lord Bird,” winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction; “The Color of Water;” “Song Yet Sung;” the story collection “Five-Carat Soul;” and the James Brown biography “Kill ’Em and Leave.” His debut novel, “Miracle at St. Anna,” was turned into a 2008 film.
