BBC National Short Story Award 2021

The 2021 BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University showcases stories that take place in liminal spaces, celebrating small kindnesses in times of turbulence and demonstrating a connection between characters. The winning author receives £15,000, and four further shortlisted authors receive £600 each. James Runcie is joined on the judging panel by acclaimed writers and critics.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 13 September 2021
\n Publisher: Comma Press
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A group of teenage boys engage in a curious ritual, taking turns assessing each other's evolving bodies before a thrilling Friday night disco. Amidst the excitement, they navigate the complexities of adolescence, exploring their changing shapes and emotions.

In a different realm, a grieving woman embarks on a poignant journey aboard a night train bound for Kiev. Stricken by loss, she forms an unexpected connection with a fellow traveler, sharing stories and finding solace in their shared solitude.

Meanwhile, an exceptionally knowledgeable naturalist finds himself at the center of suspicion among his comrades during a forest exhibition. His extensive knowledge and enigmatic demeanor raise eyebrows, as they suspect him of harboring a higher purpose.

These captivating stories shortlisted for the 2021 BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University take place in liminal spaces, where characters find themselves in transit, traversing flight paths, train lines, and roads, or in moments where new opportunities or directions suddenly emerge. From the introspective reflections of a new mother returning home after a funeral to the hesitance of an ailing son to revisit his childhood village, these stories celebrate the power of small acts of kindness in times of turbulence. They also illustrate the profound connection between individuals, sometimes overlooked but essential to our existence.

The BBC NSSA stands as one of the most prestigious accolades for a single short story, offering a substantial prize of £15,000 to the winning author, along with £600 for four further shortlisted authors. The judging panel for this esteemed award is comprised of acclaimed writers and critics, including Booker Prize shortlisted novelist Fiona Mozley, award-winning writer, poet, and Desmond Elliott Prize recipient Derek Owusu, multi-award-winning Irish novelist and short story writer Donal Ryan, and returning judge Di Speirs, Books Editor at BBC Radio.

These stories, penned by talented writers, transport readers to captivating realms and evoke a range of emotions. They remind us of the resilience and humanity that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances, and they showcase the power of storytelling to connect and inspire.

\n Weight: 134g\n
Dimension: 112 x 170 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781912697496\n \n