A gay-themed historical novel penned by an Auckland academic is among the contenders for Australia's most prestigious literary prize this year. Associate-Professor Annamarie Jagose, from the University of Auckland, has been shortlisted for Australia's most significant literary prize, the Miles Franklin Literary Award, for her third novel, Slow Water, which is based on the true story of an English missionary who sets sail from London for New Zealand in 1836 and becomes embroiled in a love affair with the third mate of the ship in which he is a passenger. Jagose teaches TV and cultural studies at the University of Auckland, and has a special research interest in sexuality studies. "I feel honoured to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award," she says. "Just being shortlisted feels like winning to me." The winner will be announced 17 June.