Listen: Taylor Swift namedrops Dylan Thomas in latest release
are two famous figures who excel in different fields. Taylor Swift is a renowned singer-songwriter while Dylan Thomas was a highly acclaimed Welsh poet and writer. Despite their different areas of expertise, their works have touched the hearts of many. Taylor Swift's music has captured the essence of different emotions and experiences that people encounter in their daily lives. From heartbreak to empowerment, her lyrics and melodies have resonated with a broad audience, and she continues to be influential in the music industry. Meanwhile, Dylan Thomas' words have evoked the beauty of nature and the depth of human emotions. His works have been celebrated for their poetic sensibility and their ability to touch the soul of readers. His legacy has endured over the years, and he remains a significant figure in literature. Although Taylor Swift and Dylan Thomas come from different generations and artistic backgrounds, their works share a common theme – the power of language to convey emotions and experiences. Through their creations, they have brought comfort, inspiration, and entertainment to generations of people.
Today, Taylor Swift has released her latest album and one of the songs, titled after the album, has made mention of the well-known writer from Swansea, Dylan Thomas.
Fans of both Taylor Swift and Dylan Thomas will be ecstatic to hear that Taylor references both of them in her lyrics. She boldly declares, "I chuckled at you and told you: 'You're no Dylan Thomas, and I'm no Patti Smith.'"
"This isn't the Chelsea Hotel. We are contemporary fools."
Dylan Thomas, who was born 110 years ago, still has a strong legacy that resonates today. This was evident when the world's most famous pop star mentioned Wales' most cherished and anguished poet.
Dylan Thomas' creations have served as a muse for the most prominent literary recognition geared towards the youth, the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize. The organizers anticipate that Taylor Swift's recent acknowledgement will draw attention to the writing proficiency of the nominees for this year's award.
Last month, the list of finalists for the most notable and sizeable literary award for young writers in the world came out. These six remarkable, up-and-coming writers use creative approaches to investigate perennial topics such as family, identity, and sorrow.
The international shortlist for this year includes four novels, one collection of short stories, and one collection of poetry. Out of the five titles, independent publishers have published five.
- A book titled "A Spell of Good Things" by Ayòbámi Adébáyò has been published by Canongate Books. It is a novel that originates from Nigeria.
Caleb Azumah Nelson's novel "Small Worlds" is published by Viking, which is an imprint of Penguin Random House UK. The novel tells a story that revolves around both the UK and Ghana.
A novel written by A. K. Blakemore called "The Glutton" has been published by Granta. The author is from England, UK.
Mary Jean Chan's poetry collection titled "Bright Fear" is a recommended read. The collection is published by Faber & Faber and the author hails from Hong Kong.
"Local Fires," authored by Joshua Jones and published by Parthian Books, is a compilation of short stories from Wales, UK.
Catherine Lacey wrote a novel called "X" that showcases the biography of the protagonist. This book is published by Granta and is set in the United States.
This prestigious award is valued at £20,000 and is designed to recognize outstanding writing skills in individuals who are 39 years of age or younger. It aims to celebrate various literary forms across the globe including poetry, novels, dramas and short stories.
The award is called the Dylan Thomas Prize and it honors the artistic and prolific life of Dylan Thomas, who was born in Swansea.
The award pays tribute to his legacy by boosting current writers, fostering the potential of future authors, and commemorating exceptional global literature.
According to Namita Gokhale, the head judge, the Dylan Thomas Prize from Swansea University is significant because it acknowledges, assists, and encourages aspiring writers from a wide range of backgrounds and writing styles.
The 2024 list of potential winners includes writers from the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and Ghana. It has been an enriching experience to fully dive into and absorb the varied range of styles and perspectives presented by these authors.
This year's shortlist has only one new addition, and it's not to be missed- it's the impressive Joshua Jones from Wales! He's being considered for his highly lauded compilation of short stories called Local Fires. The stories are truly something- they are inspired by real individuals and actual events that happened in his hometown of Llanelli, located in South Wales. Jones really knows how to craft a complex, multifaceted narrative that will leave you in awe.
Mary Jean Chan is the only poet in the running for this year's prize. This isn't her first time being nominated - she was also on the shortlist in 2020 for her first collection, Fleche. This year, she's being recognized for her newest work, Bright Fear, which bravely delves into topics like identity, speaking multiple languages, and the lasting effects of colonialism.
Out of the four authors, three have been nominated twice for the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize. Caleb Azumah Nelson, a British-Ghanaian writer, has been nominated for his second book, Small Worlds. In the novel, he shares a father-son story set in South London and Ghana, exploring the different worlds we create. Ayòbámi Adébáyò, a Nigerian author, has also been shortlisted for her book, A Spell of Good Things, which focuses on modern Nigeria, wealth and corruption, and two families. Catherine Lacey, an American writer, has made it to the list for Biography of X. The book is an epic piece that tells the story of a notorious artist, unveiling their secrets and life experiences in a genre-bending manner.
Adding to the list is A.K. Blakemore, an author from Britain, known for her lively and intense novel named The Glutton. This book portrays the story of a serf who ends up as a performer in a freak show, and the events take place in the context of France during the times of the Revolution. The story is based on true events.
The people who chose the 2024 shortlist were a group of judges. This group was led by someone named Namita Gokhale. She is both a writer and co-director of something called the Jaipur Literature Festival. The other judges were Jon Gower, who is also an author and teacher at Swansea University. Another judge was Seán Hewitt, who won a prize for Irish Literature in 2022 and is now a professor at Trinity College Dublin. There was also Julia Wheeler, who used to work for the BBC and wrote a book about Dubai. The final judge was Tice Cin, who is an artist and author. She wrote a book called Keeping the House.
In the book "A Spell of Good Things" written by Ayòbámi Adébáyò, Julia Wheeler gives insight into its powerful storytelling that delves into the complex and divided society of Nigeria. The novel expertly interweaves social customs and damaging politics to construct a touching and heart-wrenching tale. The individual struggles of the characters are linked to the national issues of the country, leaving them questioning the future.
Caleb Azumah Nelson's book, Small Worlds, portrays Stephen's various small worlds with affection and in a poetic manner. These are the lives that are always present in our surroundings.
Azumah Nelson understands the sense of abandonment and isolation that often accompanies a sudden transition from a familiar and comfortable situation. He finds comfort in the knowledge that such a feeling is not unique to him, and that there are people who are willing to extend a helping hand to bring him back to where he belongs. He also recognizes that although the pain of loss may linger, it can eventually give way to the growth of new and beautiful experiences. Most of all, he values the importance of being part of a supportive community that can provide a sense of connection and belonging.
Jon Gower's review of A. K. Blakemore's book, The Glutton, praises its creativity and thorough research. The novel follows the tale of Tarare, a young man cursed with an insatiable hunger, through a France in turmoil. Blakemore's writing is poetic and descriptive, bringing the characters to life and immersing the reader in a world that is out of balance. The Glutton is a satisfying read that will leave you wanting more.
Mary Jean Chan's second collection, Bright Fear, is a poetry book that is quietly intimate and inviting. It is full of gentle and creatively written poems that hum softly in the reader's ear.
Within a world full of discrimination, ranging from the persistent dominance of colonization to discrimination towards the queer community, Bright Fear provides an opportunity to create a life for oneself through a process of construction.
Chan cultivates a garden of self-love and a community of choice with clear poetry that draws from multiple languages. Their work embraces queer identity, the moments of stillness in a parent's breath, and the healing power of gentle comfort.
Namita Gokhale’s take on Joshua Jones' Local Fires: "The setting of Local Fires, written by Joshua Jones, is his place of birth, Llanelli, located in the western part of Wales."
This first-ever compilation of brief tales brings forth the feeling of being stuck, no progress, and lost purity in an environment that has transitioned from industrial to post-industrial. The content reflects on negative aspects of being male and hopeless feelings spanning across generations, presents varied glimpses of everything from gender to sexual identity - some amusing, some tragic. There's also an insightful view of neurodivergence.
A depiction of a location and its people that is essential, genuine, and firmly grounded.
". According to Seán Hewitt, Catherine Lacey's "Biography of X" examines the concepts of art, relationships, and power, and delves into the tales we depict about our own lives and that of others. It makes us wonder what occurs when we are forced to modify these narratives in order to move forward and continue living.
This is a stunning and impressive novel that has been thought out in depth, with great aspirations and aesthetic appeal. It accomplishes a difficult feat of precision and mastery in its formal structure.
The ceremony to announce the winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize for 2024 at Swansea University is set to take place on Thursday 16th May. This will come after the celebration of International Dylan Thomas Day, which occurs on Tuesday 14th May.
In the past, individuals who have received this award are Arinze Ifeakandu, Patricia Lockwood, Max Porter, Raven Leilani, Bryan Washington, Guy Gunaratne, and Kayo Chingonyi.
Taylor Swift, whose most recent creation is anticipated to hit the top spot on charts worldwide, has been a lover of books and writing for the entirety of her life. She especially enjoys songwriting, but revealed to The Associated Press that she is open to other writing ventures.
She has already written a novel that has not yet been published. When she was younger, she wrote a book that was 400 pages long. The story was based on her own life and on her friends who she had to leave behind when she went away with her family for the summer.
"After that, I came to realize my passion for music and it has become my main source of inspiration for writing. However, that doesn't necessarily mean I won't explore other methods and forms of writing," Swift expressed.
"I wonder what it would be like if I were to compose a script, book, or even a collection of poems. It would be incredible to witness such an accomplishment. It's definitely something I'd be thrilled to achieve."
No matter what occurs, it's evident that the beloved Welsh writer Dylan Thomas has made a lasting impact, and his name is now well-known among millions of devoted fans all over the globe.
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