Novel by former soldier wins Guardian First Book Award

The £10,000 prize has been awarded to Kevin Powers for The Yellow Birds, a novel partly based on his own experiences of fighting in Iraq

American writer Powers served in the US army in 2004 and 2005, and was as a gunner in Mosul and Tal Afar. He took an MFA in poetry from the University of Texas after his honourable discharge. The Yellow Birds takes its title from an army marching song.

Lisa Allardice, chair of judges, said: 'Its subject matter is ugly and harrowing, but its expression is beautiful and poetic. It is a triumphant, unforgettable first novel.'

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