As a proud Northern bookshop we love this longlist from The Portico Library in Manchester (with their words below)...

The Portico Prize aims to celebrate the diversity of the North of England and to engage public interest in Northern stories, voices, and places. 

This year’s longlist explores multiple themes—family, friendship, class, race, identity, masculinity, sexuality, the meaning of place and memories of the past—all connected by the spirit of the North of England. Debut writers and independent publishers emerge triumphant from the lockdown of the past year, reflected in strong representation across the list.