AFTER last year’s Oxford Mail/Waterstones Book of the Year winner saw his efforts turned into a Hollywood movie, 2011 winner Sarah Winman has some mighty shoes to fill.

But the author said she is delighted to have scooped the accolade for When God Was A Rabbit.

Last year’s winner David Nicholls’ One Day was transformed into a major movie starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.

Ms Winman’s novel tells the story of the bond between a brother and sister and how that is affected by the events of 9/11.

She said: “The reaction to David Nicholls’ One Day was quite extraordinary and I have experienced just a tiny fraction of that.

“But the period of innocence is over and people might not be quite so kind again.”

Her book is the third annual winner chosen by the Oxford Mail and Waterstones, and the 47-year-old Londoner visited the book firm’s Broad Street branch to collect her award and sign copies.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get this award and I’m so pleased people in Oxford enjoyed the novel. My parents are originally from Oxford so I have spent a lot of time here over the years – getting this prize brings me full circle.”

The novel has also won the Galaxy Book Awards New Writer of the Year and the Edinburgh Festival Newton First Book Award.

She said: “I’m delighted with the reaction and it’s lovely to get this kind of recognition.

“There are so many books out there in a very competitive market place so you need something to help your story stand out.”

Ms Winman started out as an actress and has appeared in TV dramas including Foyle’s War, Midsomer Murders and Holby City.

Now she is set to spend time in Cornwall in the new year to write her next novel.

Waterstones events manager Charlie Hayes said: “Sarah’s book has been very popular with our readers.”