2022 Prize in Prose:

We are honored to announce that the 1729 Book Prize in Prose, judged by Diane Zinna, has been awarded to Brooke Shaffner for her novel, Country of Under.

Country of Under revolves around the transformative friendship of Pilar Salomé Reinfeld, raised by her undocumented father, a descendent of Bolivian Mennonites, in a Mexican-American community; and Carlos/Carla/Río Gomez, a gender-fluid DREAMer raised by their grandmother in the same Texican bordertown.

In choosing Country of Under as the winner of the 1729 Book Prize, author Diane Zinna wrote, “This luminous novel of big heart and span is a wonder. I am changed for having read it. The story has become part of my soul.”

Congratulations, Brooke! To read more about Brooke and Country of Under, you can visit BrookeShaffner.com. Country of Under will be released March 2024. Keep an eye on Mason Jar Press socials (X|Instagram|Facebook) for forthcoming details.