Reading groups from across Australia have selected Carol Lefevre's NIGHTS IN THE ASYLUM as the recipient for the highly-regarded People's Choice Award at the South Australian Writers' Festival. The festival is held biennially at the City of Onkaparinga, offering an array of events, seminars, and panels to members of the public.

NIGHTS IN THE ASYLUM (described as 'sensual and seductive' and 'emotionally intense') is set in a mining town in the Australian outback, where three people from disparate backgrounds seek shelter. All are fleeing something: Miri is trying to escape the tragedy of her daughter's death; Aziz the more pressing threat of jail; and Suzette, with her baby daughter, is hiding from an abusive husband. Personal and political issues collide in this 'bleakly beautiful' novel, as the three asylum seekers slowly discover each other's past.

NIGHTS IN THE ASYLUM was published by Picador in 2007. The novel was also shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2008.

Carol has said of her achievement that she was 'overwhelmed in the nicest possible way', and you can read more of her reaction on her blog here.

To check out Carol's website, please click here.

Carol's author page is available here.