J.L. Carr was born in Thirsk, England. He started writing full-time relatively late in life, at the age of 55.

In 1967, having already written two novels, Carr retired from his job as a teacher to devote himself to writing. His novel A Month in the Country won the Guardian Fiction Prize, was shortlisted for the 1980 Booker Prize, and was made into a memorable film.

J.L. Carr

Photo © Courtesy of Bob Carr

All nominated books

A Month in the Country
The Battle of Pollocks Crossing