Return to Earth by Lally Katz

JUDGES' COMMENTS

Return to Earth is the funny, sad, whimsical story of a young woman's attempt to return to normality after an unexplained absence that may be more psychological than real. Oddly disconnected from her environment, Alice struggles with even the simplest forms of behaviour only to be confronted by the dreadful dilemmas of living and dying presented in this simple seaside setting. She comes at last to some sort of resolution and acceptance.

Characterised by an energetic and engaging dialogue, this deeply moving piece of writing raises the kinds of questions people of all ages ask as they traverse the dark space of their lives. This Alice’s wonderland of a small coastal town has an ominous sense of magic and, as Alice negotiates her way toward a safe haven, she illuminates a great deal of what it is to be happy in a world strangely indifferent to our hopes and desires.