Costa Book of the Year – Of Mutability by Jo Shapcott

UK Poet Jo Shapcott’s latest book of poetry Of Mutability is this year “surprise” winner of the Costa Book of the Year award.

Ms Shapcott revealed that she was quite shocked to be chosen as the winner, which comes with a 30,000 pound prize. Apparently she mused about now being able to afford getting her gutters fixed.

This marks the second year in a row that a poetry title has emerged as the Costa Book of the Year. Last year’s prize was awarded to Christopher Reid for his poetry book, A Scattering.

Here is what the judges had to say about Of Mutability:

“In Of Mutability, Shapcott is found writing at her most memorable and bold. In a series of fresh, unflinching poems, she movingly explores mortality and the nature of change: in the body and the natural world, and in shifting relationships between people. By turns grave and playful, arresting and witty, the poems in Of Mutability celebrate each waking moment as though it might be the last and, in so doing, restore wonder to the smallest of encounters.“

“These strong poems are rooted in the poet’s experience of breast cancer but are all about life, hope and play. Fizzing with variety, they are a paean to creativity and make the reader feel that what matters to us all is imagination, humanity and a smile.“