The Commonwealth Short Story Prize has unveiled the first five winners of its 2025 competition, selected from a remarkable pool of 8,000 entries. These five captivating stories, previously unpublished, are now available to the public via the prize’s online magazine, adda.
The winning authors and their acclaimed works are:
- ‘A Room Full of Teddy Bears’ by Dorechi (Kenya)
- ‘Final Effort of the Wind’ by Gillian Leasunia Katoanga (Samoa)
- ‘Broken String’ by Stephen M. Finn (South Africa)
- ‘Beasts’ by Tess Little (United Kingdom)
- ‘Bread and Butter’ by Dushi Rasiah (United Kingdom)
According to the prize, each of these meticulously crafted stories promises to immerse readers with their intricate plots and unexpected turns. They fearlessly delve into complex and challenging societal issues, illuminating injustices prevalent within homes and communities across the Commonwealth.
While 25 stories were initially shortlisted, only a select few could claim the top accolades. These five winners represent the first wave of recognised talent, with more to be announced.
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize, a flagship cultural initiative of the Commonwealth Foundation, champions the transformative power of creative expression. The Foundation’s mission is to amplify the voices of Commonwealth citizens, empowering them to shape their world and provoke meaningful debate on the critical issues of our time.
New winning stories will continue to be released fortnightly until mid-August, offering a continuous stream of fresh and thought-provoking narratives.
