Congratulations to Leslie Cannold, author of The Book of Rachael, who has been named Australian Humanist of the Year for 2011 by the Council of Australian Humanist Societies.

Leslie has been recognised for her valuable contribution to public debates on ethical issues, particularly those concerning women and family life. Previous Australian Humanists of the Year include Inga Clendinnen, Tim Flannery and Peter Singer.

The Book of Rachael, a powerful and moving novel that imagines the life of the sister of Joshua of Nazareth, is available from 28 March.