Richard and Judy hopeful shortlisted for Whitbread Award.

Richard and Judy hopeful shortlisted for WhitbreadFrom the Telegraph Article.....

Rachel Zadok, who was working as a waitress (incidentaly in a cocktail bar :-) ) in south London until a month ago, said yesterday that she "did a little dance" when she learned that her debut book, Gem Squash Tokoloshe, had been shortlisted for the best first novel award, up against Tash Aw's The Harmony Silk Factory.

"It is incredible. I am completely taken aback," the 33-year-old South African-born writer said. As well she might be, for chance has played a substantial part in her entry into the literary pantheon.