The essence of British and Irish literary creativity is thriving in the new era. The unveiling of the shortlist for the 2025 Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award stands as a bold statement, signaling the younger generation’s engagement in dismantling societal and political barriers rather than being absorbed by digital distractions.
For more than three decades, this prestigious award has been a beacon for emerging voices that influence our cultural landscape. Past recipients, including renowned figures like Zadie Smith, Sarah Waters, and Caryl Phillips, exemplify the award’s legacy in recognizing exceptional talent.
The current shortlist continues this tradition by showcasing works characterized by profound empathy and a commitment to confronting the harsh realities of our society. Johanna Thomas-Corr, the head literary critic for The Times and Sunday Times and chair of the 2025 judging panel, lauded the selected pieces as outward-looking and deeply concerned with societal issues and our interconnectedness.
The judging panel, comprising influential cultural figures like Caleb Femi, Esther Freud, Graham Norton, Sathnam Sanghera, and Lea Ypi, emphasized the importance of narratives that unite and challenge conventional norms, offering a counterbalance to the isolation often associated with the digital age.
The four contenders competing for the £10,000 prize bring diverse perspectives to the forefront. Ben Brooks presents “The Greatest Possible Good,” a humorous family saga that delves into the complexities of morality in a contemporary world.
Gurnaik Johal’s debut novel, “Saraswati,” embarks readers on a global odyssey as a protagonist uncovers a forgotten river in Northern India, illustrating the interconnectedness that transcends geographical boundaries.
In a poignant collection titled “Every One Still Here,” the anonymous author Liadan Ní Chuinn explores the enduring trauma of post-conflict Northern Ireland, choosing anonymity to amplify the collective weight of history over individual identity.
Most notably, Harry Shukman’s “Year of the Rat” is a bold work of investigative non-fiction documenting his undercover experiences infiltrating far-right groups in the UK, offering crucial insights in an era marked by increasing extremism.
The journey towards determining the victor culminates at the Barbican Centre on Monday, March 23rd, where Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo will host a panel discussion with the finalists, ensuring these groundbreaking narratives reach the audiences that need them most through the Young Barbican initiative.
The ultimate reveal will take place the following evening, Tuesday, March 24th, at the Whitechapel Gallery in London’s vibrant East End. Amidst this creative backdrop, one of these bold authors will be crowned the champion, solidifying their position within a lineage of esteemed literary voices.