The future of British and Irish literary excellence is secure in the hands of bold and innovative writers. The unveiling of the shortlist for the 2025 Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award sends a powerful message that the upcoming generation is actively engaged in breaking down societal and political barriers rather than being consumed by digital distractions.
For three decades, this prestigious award has been a pivotal platform for identifying influential voices that shape our cultural landscape. Renowned past winners like Zadie Smith, Sarah Waters, and Caryl Phillips have set a high standard for literary achievement.
The tradition of recognizing exceptional talent continues with this year’s shortlist, characterized by its profound empathy and unwavering commitment to confronting the harsh realities of our society.
Johanna Thomas-Corr, the esteemed literary critic for The Times and Sunday Times and head of the 2025 jury, lauds the selected works as outward-looking and deeply concerned with societal issues and our interconnectedness.
The distinguished panel of judges, including Caleb Femi, Esther Freud, Graham Norton, Sathnam Sanghera, and Lea Ypi, emphasize narratives that foster unity and challenge conventional norms, offering a counterbalance to the isolation prevalent in the digital era.
The competition for the £10,000 prize features four distinct perspectives. Ben Brooks presents “The Greatest Possible Good,” a witty family saga that delves into the complexities of morality in today’s chaotic world.
In “Saraswati,” Gurnaik Johal takes readers on a global expedition as the protagonist uncovers a forgotten river in Northern India, unveiling the common threads that bind us across borders.
The anonymous author Liadan Ní Chuinn’s “Every One Still Here” explores the enduring trauma of post-conflict Northern Ireland through a collection of short stories, allowing the historical weight to speak volumes without an individual identity.
Harry Shukman’s “Year of the Rat” stands out as a daring work of investigative non-fiction, recounting his undercover exploration of far-right groups in the UK amid a backdrop of escalating extremism.
The winner will be revealed at the Barbican Centre on Monday, March 23rd, under the guidance of Booker Prize-winner Bernardine Evaristo, who champions marginalized voices. This collaboration aims to make these groundbreaking stories accessible to young audiences through the Young Barbican program.
The grand finale will unfold on Tuesday, March 24th, at the Whitechapel Gallery, where one of these courageous authors will be crowned the champion, securing their position among the esteemed lineage of accomplished writers in London’s vibrant East End.
