Former postwoman takes Costa first novel award

"All disheartened, kicked-in-the-teeth aspiring novelists should take heart. After being rejected by 14 separate literary agents, Catherine O'Flynn had every right to feel she might be one of the many who see their labours go unloved. The 15th agent said yes, however, and the former postwoman tonight made off with one of the year's most prestigious literary prizes."

- Guardian.co.uk