A Bermudian author who wrote the true story of her brother’s killing at the hands of her other brother has won a local literary award.

Carlene “Zavane” Spencer-Darrell, whose book Why I Killed My Brotherwas published last December, picked up the Crystal Butterfly Award for Outstanding Contribution to Bermuda Literature.

The Crystal Butterfly Awards organised by Atlantic Publishing House recognises female authors in Bermuda.

Ms Spencer-Darrell said: “Being appreciated for the work you do is a catalyst for greater works to be done. Why I Killed My Brother has taken on a life of its own; lending itself to promote healing, understanding, love of self and others and for this I couldn’t be happier.

“It brings me an abundance of joy to know that my story has had a positive impact on those who have read it. My brother’s name Umoja means Unity in Swahili and although glass houses do exist I’m here for the empathy, healing, love, understanding and peace that can shatter them.”

Other authors recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Bermuda Literature were Margaret Rose Giloth, Shangri-La Durham-Thompson, Cheryl Kerr, Melodye Micere Van Putten, Madeline Hayward and Jessica Riederer.

There was also a special award for Martin Buckley, managing director of the book store at Brown & Co.

Dale Butler, founder of Atlantic Publishing House, said: “Martin is leaving the island after ten years and everybody has said you couldn’t have had a more supportive book store manager.

“I agreed and while the Crystal Butterfly Awards is traditionally for female authors I decided to give him an award. He is a friends of local authors. One of the critical things he did was set up a second-hand book table for Bermudian books.

“Nana Peggy Burns received the Triumph of the Spirit Award, which is for someone who has a connection with writing who goes above and beyond. She was recognised as an artist, author, editor, educator, minimalist, poet and social/political commentator.

“She was one of the founders of a school that taught African/Bermudian history, which is now closed and she has built up quite a record of community events including lectures and sales.”

The awards were held at the Leopard’s Club International Bermuda on Sunday afternoon.