When One of Us Hurts by Monica Vuu
2024 Davitt Awards Winner for Best Adult Crime Novel
Monica Vuu’s novel When One of Us Hurts takes the winning for this year’s Sisters in Crime Davitt Award for Best Adult Crime Novel. This recognition sheds light on the novel’s exceptional narrative and its position within the sphere of Australian rural noir.
Competing against more than 120 other nominations, this achievement is not only a testament to her storytelling but also a well-deserved acknowledgment of her novel’s impact. When One of Us Hurts extends beyond the traditional boundaries of crime literature, weaving a detailed narrative enriched with murder, madness, and the distinct challenges faced by a close-knit community.
The story pays homage to Australian rural noir, a genre that explores the intricate layers of human nature against the stark and relentless landscapes of Australia. Through its dark intimacy, Monica Vuu engrosses the reader by instilling a sense of belonging within the depicted community while also fostering an unsettling awareness of lurking danger. This balance is often challenging to maintain, yet Vuu creates a narrative that is as riveting as it is profound.
Ultimately, Monica Vuu’s storytelling underscores not only her skill but also highlights When One of Us Hurts as a pivotal work, rightfully earning its place among best of Australian rural noir.