Winner
Annie-Jo Vogler
All the Ways We Are
A beautiful and absorbing story dealing with the uncertainties of life. The teenage protagonists struggle with unexpected events and the challenges and complexities of living in an extended family. The writing is polished and the characters and Christian themes develop logically and naturally.
An extract from All the Ways We Are
‘What’s the point of rules, of someone making up laws, when it takes away from freedom?’
‘Depends on what you think freedom is, I suppose.’
‘I’m not sure what it is.’
She asks tentatively, thinking of a verse on Dad’s paper, ‘What about God?’
‘Nothing’s changed, Audrie. God isn’t anything magical.’
‘No, He’s God. He’s different.’
He stares at her sarcastically with an eyebrow raised. ‘Why doesn’t He make my stupid family function again?’
‘My dad says people have to want to change.’
‘Your dad’s a good bloke, but he doesn’t have all the answers.’
She lets her hands drop into her lap and laces her fingers together. ‘Chester, I’m trying to help you.’
‘I never asked for help. For once, I wanted someone to understand me.’ His glare, meant to wither her, brings tears to her eyes and anger to her soul.
‘I don’t know how to understand you, okay? I wish I could, but I can’t.’ She blinks furiously and takes a deep breath, trying to think clearly. ‘As for understanding, I have problems, too! You never bothered to care!’
‘It’s not my fault. You think I wanted any of this to happen?’
