A Richmond author's book has been shortlisted for the UK's oldest literary prize.

Ellen Alpsten's debut novel 'Tsarina' about "the most powerful woman history ever forgot" has been shortlisted for the prestigious 'Author's Club Best First Novel Award 2021.'

Published by Bloomsbury Books, 'Tsarina' tells the story of the rise of Marta, an 18th century illiterate and illegitimate serf to the first ruling Empress of Russia.

The novel also charts the transformation of Russia from a backward nation to the beginnings of a modern superpower.

Ms Alpsten said she was delighted that the book was selected in the '10 best paperbacks for 2021' by the Sunday Times and the 'must summer read' by both 'Bella' & 'Closer' magazines.

The author said: "Seeing my debut novel 'Tsarina' shortlisted for the UK's longest-running literary prize has been such a privilege and I just hope for so many more people to discover for the first time ever this the worlds ultimate Cinderella story - from serf to Empress, from backward nation to Superpower."

'Tsarina' is part of the planned 'Tsarina' series, a quartet of books. Alpsten's second novel, the sequel to 'Tsarina', entitled 'The Tsarina's Daughter' is also published on 8th of July 2021.

The winning novel is announced in July.