Overview

• Michelle de Kretser was awarded the $60,000 Stella Prize at the Sydney Writers’ Festival for her novel Theory & Practice.
• The book challenges traditional narrative forms, opening with an abandoned manuscript before shifting to a memoir-like story set in 1980s Melbourne.
• De Kretser estimates 80–85% of the novel is fictional, despite its autobiographical elements and use of nonfictional devices.
• In her acceptance speech, she highlighted concerns about censorship and the importance of protecting free expression in Australian democracy.
• This win adds to her celebrated career, which includes two Miles Franklin awards and three Christina Stead prizes.