The essence of British and Irish literature is securely held by a new generation of innovative writers. The shortlist announcement for the 2025 Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award sends a powerful message that the upcoming literary voices are actively engaged in addressing societal and political challenges, rather than being absorbed by digital distractions.
For more than thirty years, this award has been instrumental in discovering influential voices that shape our cultural landscape, with notable past winners like Zadie Smith, Sarah Waters, and Caryl Phillips.
The tradition of recognizing exceptional talent continues with a shortlist characterized by its bold empathy and unwavering commitment to confronting the harsh realities of our society.
Johanna Thomas-Corr, the chief literary critic for The Times and Sunday Times and head of the 2025 jury, praised the selected works as “boldly outward-looking” and deeply concerned with societal issues and human interconnectedness.
This sentiment was reiterated by a distinguished panel of judges including Caleb Femi, Esther Freud, Graham Norton, Sathnam Sanghera, and Lea Ypi. Their choices highlight narratives that bridge societal divides and challenge established norms, offering a critical response to the digital age’s tendency toward isolation.
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 examines the concept of a “good man” in a complex contemporary world.
Gurnaik Johal’s inaugural novel, “Saraswati,” embarks readers on a global voyage as the protagonist uncovers a lost river in Northern India, revealing the unseen connections that bind us across borders.
Also featured is the evocative “Every One Still Here” by the anonymous writer Liadan Ní Chuinn, a collection of short stories delving into the enduring trauma of post-conflict Northern Ireland. By remaining anonymous, Ní Chuinn amplifies the collective weight of history over individual identity.
Most audacious of all is Harry Shukman’s “Year of the Rat,” a compelling work of investigative non-fiction recounting his covert experiences infiltrating far-right factions in the UK—a crucial contribution in a time marked by escalating extremism.
The path to victory will lead through the Barbican Centre on Monday, March 23rd, where Booker Prize laureate and advocate for marginalized voices Bernardine Evaristo will host a discussion with the finalists.
This collaboration aims to ensure these groundbreaking narratives reach young audiences who stand to benefit the most, leveraging the Young Barbican program to democratize access to high-quality literature.
The ultimate showdown will occur the following evening, on Tuesday, March 24th, at the Whitechapel Gallery. In the vibrant and diverse East End of London, one of these bold authors will be crowned the victor, cementing their position among a lineage of renowned writers.
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