Sarah Howe has been awarded the Forward Prize for Best Collection for her book *Foretokens*, which delves into themes of new parenthood, her father's death, and her mother’s early life in Hong Kong. The announcement was made during a ceremony at London’s Southbank Centre, where Howe was presented with a £10,000 prize by host Joelle Taylor.
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Born in Hong Kong to an English father and a Chinese mother, Howe’s *Foretokens* is her second collection, following her debut *Loop of Jade*, which won the TS Eliot Prize. *Foretokens* was also shortlisted for the upcoming 2025 TS Eliot Prize. In a review for the Guardian, Rishi Dastidar praised the collection as “a quite brilliant return,” highlighting Howe's exploration of significant themes like genetics and parenthood, combined with an examination of her mother's history in Hong Kong.
Mónica Parle, co-executive director of the Forward Prizes, hailed *Foretokens* as “an exceptional collection,” noting its enduring relevance despite being a decade in the making.
Three other poets were also recognized at the awards. Nur Turkmani won the £5,000 Jerwood Prize for Best First Collection for *October*. Turkmani, who is based in Lisbon but grew up in Beirut, described her work as a response to tumultuous experiences in her home city. This marks both her first nomination and win for her publisher, Hajar Press.
Tara Bergin, an Irish poet and creative writing instructor at Newcastle University, received the Forward Prize for Best Single Poem in Written Form for *The Fear*, which appeared in the Stinging Fly. She mentioned that the poem stemmed from a writing class she once created.
In the Performance category, Biff Smith clinched the prize for Best Single Poem for *Dumbarton East*, which was recorded live at the Scottish performance event Loud Poets. Smith noted that the poem was inspired by his reflections while traveling.
Each of Bergin and Smith received £1,000 for their accomplishments. This year's judging panel included novelist Sarah Moss, with members Romalyn Ante, WN Herbert, Michael Mullen, and Yomi Ṣode. Moss remarked on the significance of poetry during challenging times, recognizing how poets provide essential words and images.
Established in 1992, the Forward Prizes have celebrated many prominent poets, including Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes, and Claudia Rankine. The awards shared the Best Collection Prize last year for the first time in their history between Vidyan Ravinthiran and Karen Solie.