Great, big, serious novels always get awards. If it's a battle between a great, big, serious novel and a funny novel, the funny novel is doomed.
“I can remember sittin' in a cafe when I first started in rodeo, and waitin' until somebody got done so I could finish what they left.”
“When there is life and mankind, a person will live striving for good deeds, liberty and a bright life, and wish that goodness and justice will reign in the world.”