Debut author Nathan Filer wins Costa award for book of the year

Nathan Filer won against more fancied contenders, not least Kate Atkinson, for his debut novel The Shock Of The Fall.

A psychiatric nurse’s novel on schizophrenia and grief edges out more fancied contenders.   

Judges for one of Britain’s most prestigious literary prizes yesterday heralded a major new talent when they named mental health nurse Nathan Filer winner of the 2013 Costa book award for a moving account of schizophrenia and grief.