> Skip to content

Article  •  12 May 2023

 

This ‘transcendent’ new novel is a must-read for literary fiction fans

Anam by André Dao has entered the world to warm reception. With exceptional reviews, it’s clear that this author’s star is rising. Learn more about his book, and see what reviewers are saying.

Anam by André Dao is a literary feat by one of Australia’s most talented up-and-coming authors. Though Dao has won awards for his writing in the past – including, but not limited to, a Walkley Award for radio/audio feature, a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award (VPLA) for an Unpublished Manuscript, a Quill Award for reporting on multicultaral affairs and a media award from the Australian Human Rights Commission – it is this debut novel that cements his place in the world of Australian literary culture.

A work of autofiction, this part-memoir, part-novel is twelve years in the making. It started with Dao interviewing his grandparents to learn about their life stories and over time has transformed into an investigation on what storytelling means in the context of culture, family and selfhood.

While Dao was initially unsure whether his writing would appeal to broader audiences, winning the VPLA proved that his message was more than a niche meditation on his own family history.

Since Anam's publication on 2 May 2023, the book has garnered even more praise from some of the country’s most influential media outlets. With praise coming from The Guardian, The Australian and more, it’s clear that Australian readers are hungry for Dao’s writing.

Anam has even surpassed the written medium, with Kate Evans mentioning it on ABC Weekend Breakfast TV in great surprise to the author. 'I had not expected to see Anam on a TV screen!' Dao said. 

On the wave of the book’s success, Dao is currently attending writers' festivals across the country.

Upcoming conversations with the author include a conversation with Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai on 26 May and a reading on 27 May, both at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Learn more >

Reviews for Anam

  • Anam is a rigorous and generous book, which will sit with you well after reading. “We cannot transcend ourselves,” the narrator says. “Yet it is the promise of such transcendence that brings us back to literature.” Anam is transcendent.’ – Sydney Morning Herald
  • ‘A meditation on family memory and what it means to remember, Dao’s book never shies away from difficult truths. Equally complex and beautiful, Anam is a strange kind of family history page-turner.’ – The Guardian
  • ‘Dao has a mesmeric and unique style that is both brave and profound. A style that captures the voice of those that may not always have one.’ – The Australian
  • ‘Anam is an enthralling and challenging novel, with moments both painful and tender. It is a profoundly beautiful debut.’ – Readings

 

Want more? Check out a Q&A with André Dao, read an extract from Anam and learn more about upcoming events.

Feature Title

Anam: Winner of the 2024 PM's Literary Award and shortlisted for the 2024 Miles Franklin
'A powerful achievement.' Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer 'Transcendent.' THE AGE 'Anam is a beautiful book. I loved its hypnotic rhythms, its restlessness, the way memories, dreams and ideas, like waves, kept riding in over the top of one another, undoing and complicating everything. It is the work of a soulful and scrupulous mind.' MILES ALLINSON
Read more

More features

See all
Article
Debut authors share their best tips for aspiring authors

The Fresh Voices of 2023 share their advice with fellow writers. Whether you’re aspiring to get your book published or looking for writing tips, these words of wisdom will help.

Article
What to gift Dad for Father’s Day based on his personality

Give the gift of the perfect book this Father's Day.

Article
Discover the new releases that book critics are loving this autumn

See what reviewers are saying about books published in April and May 2023.

Article
Add these 2023 books to your TBR list for a year of great reading

Check out the most anticipated books of 2023.

Article
Catch these authors at Australia’s biggest writers festivals this May

Find out which Penguin Random House authors will be attending writers festivals in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney this May.

News
Anam named winner of the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Fiction

Congratulations to author André Dao on this incredible honour.

Q&A
How one literary award changed everything for André Dao

The debut author talks about his writing process and how reading inspired him to become a writer.

Book clubs
Anam book club questions

A meditation on home and belonging to read with your book club.

Article
The rare success of one author's open submission

An author and editor share the unique publication story of Amy Doak's debut novel, Eleanor Jones is Not a Murderer.

Article
Get ready for the debut novel that will leave you speechless

‘Chain-Gang All-Stars’ is shaping up to be one of the buzziest debuts of 2023. Learn more about it and see some of the rave reviews for Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s first novel.

Article
A senior product manager shares the debut novel she's obsessing over

Taryn Burges waxes lyrical about her love for Chain-Gang All-Stars, one of the buzziest debuts of 2023.

Article
10 reasons why everyone should support debut authors

Find out why it’s so important to support authors upon the publication of their first book and meet a few of our 2023 debut authors.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles
penguin pop image
penguin pop image