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Cover of Day
Literary Fiction· United Kingdom

Day

by A.L. Kennedy
Aggregate Editorial Score70/100
★Costa Book Award
Published 200764 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When A.L. Kennedy published Day in 2007, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of literary fiction. Alfred Day, an RAF tail-gunner in World War II, takes a job as a prisoner of war extra in a film being made about the camps. Kennedy's Costa Award winner cycles between wartime memory and the 1949 present, exploring grief, survival, and the impossibility of reintegration. Themes of World War II, RAF, trauma run through the work. The book has received recognition from Costa Book Award 2007.

Book Details

AuthorA.L. Kennedy
Published2007
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Pages64
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780099506409
Editorial Score70/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

Day by A.L. Kennedy sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2007 in United Kingdom, it engages with World War II, RAF, trauma, film in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: Costa Book Award 2007. With an editorial score of 70/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of Day lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of World War II, RAF, trauma, film is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within United Kingdom's literary landscape, A.L. Kennedy occupies a significant position. Day is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Costa Book Award
winner · national
200765
✍️
About the Author
A.L. Kennedy
United Kingdom
View Author →

A.L. Kennedy is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Day about?

Alfred Day, an RAF tail-gunner in World War II, takes a job as a prisoner of war extra in a film being made about the camps. Kennedy's Costa Award winner cycles between wartime memory and the 1949 present, exploring grief, survival, and the impossibility of reintegration.

Who wrote Day?

Day was written by A.L. Kennedy, from United Kingdom. First published in 2007.

What awards has Day won?

Day has received the following awards and honours: Costa Book Award 2007.

Is Day worth reading?

Day is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 65/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in World War II, RAF, trauma.

Where can I buy Day?

You can buy Day on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Day?

Day is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Day from?

Day originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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