The debut novel of a Namibian author has crossed the first hurdle in the adjudication process for a respected Commonwealth book prize.

Sharon Kasanda's first novel Dante International, published by Wordweaver Publishing House in 2012, has made it through the first stage of judging for the Commonwealth Book Prize for best first book published in 2012.

Both author and publisher are ecstatic about the news. "This is the first time Wordweaver has ventured onto an international platform, and being selected to continue to the next level means that not only Namibian authors, but Namibian publishers as well, are producing work of an international standard." says Bryony van der Merwe of Wordweaver Publishing House.

Dante International, a murder mystery based in Windhoek, was launched in May last year. The Namibian sales to date have exceeded expectations, and the feedback from readers has been overwhelming.

The Commonwealth Book Prize is awarded for best first book, and is open to writers who have had their first novel (full length work of fiction) published between 1 January and 31 December 2012. The shortlisted candidates will be announced in mid-April, and the winner in June 2013.

Dante International is the very first novel published by Wordweaver Publishing House. This publisher was established only in March last year and has to date published 9 books.