Debut novelist wins prestigious literary prize in stunning upset

In a result that has thrilled the publishing industry and shocked the bookmakers, a previously unknown debut novelist has won this year's most prestigious literary prize, beating out a shortlist that included three former winners.

The winning novel, a sweeping multi-generational story set across rural Queensland and Vietnam, was published by a small independent press and had received only modest review coverage before the win.

Bookshops across the country reported that copies were sold out within hours of the announcement, and the publisher has confirmed that a major reprint is already underway.

The author, visibly emotional during the acceptance speech, dedicated the win to "every writer still working on the manuscript no one has read yet."