The future of British and Irish literary talent is thriving with the unveiling of the shortlist for the 2025 Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award. This selection signals a bold departure from the norm, showcasing a generation that is actively engaged in dismantling societal and political barriers rather than being consumed by digital distractions.
For more than three decades, this prestigious award has been a beacon for identifying influential voices that shape our cultural landscape. Past recipients, such as Zadie Smith, Sarah Waters, and Caryl Phillips, have left an indelible mark on the literary world.
The current shortlist continues this tradition of recognizing excellence, characterized by its unwavering empathy and willingness to confront the challenging realities of our society. Johanna Thomas-Corr, the head literary critic for The Times and Sunday Times and chair of the 2025 judging panel, commended the selected works for their outward focus and exploration of societal interconnectedness and responsibility.
The judging panel, comprising influential cultural figures like Caleb Femi, Esther Freud, Graham Norton, Sathnam Sanghera, and Lea Ypi, emphasized the importance of storytelling that bridges divides and challenges conventional norms, offering a counterbalance to the digital era’s isolating effects.
The four contenders competing for the £10,000 prize offer a diverse range of perspectives. Ben Brooks presents “The Greatest Possible Good,” a humorous family saga that questions the essence of goodness in a complex contemporary world. Gurnaik Johal’s debut novel, “Saraswati,” takes readers on a global odyssey as a protagonist uncovers a forgotten river in Northern India, highlighting the universal ties that bind us.
“Every One Still Here” by the anonymous author Liadan Ní Chuinn delves into the enduring trauma of post-conflict Northern Ireland through a collection of short stories. By remaining anonymous, Ní Chuinn allows the collective weight of history to speak volumes.
Harry Shukman’s “Year of the Rat” stands out for its bold investigative non-fiction narrative, detailing his undercover experiences infiltrating far-right groups in the UK, offering crucial insights in an era marked by rising extremism.
The winner of the award will be determined at the Barbican Centre on Monday, March 23rd, during a panel discussion chaired by Booker Prize-winner Bernardine Evaristo, a staunch advocate for marginalized voices. This collaboration aims to make these groundbreaking narratives accessible to young audiences through the Young Barbican program.
The grand finale will take place on Tuesday, March 24th, at the Whitechapel Gallery, where one of these daring authors will be crowned the victor, securing their position among a lineage of esteemed writers in the heart of London’s vibrant East End.