Young writers on Dylan Thomas Prize shortlist

Exciting news for young writers! The prestigious Dylan Thomas Prize, which honors the legacy of the renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, has announced its shortlist for 2025. This award is specifically designed for writers aged 39 and younger, celebrating their exceptional literary talents. The prize, which amounts to £20,000, is considered one of the most significant awards for young writers in the English language. This year, the shortlist features six talented writers from various countries, including Palestine, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the UK. The Dylan Thomas Prize is named after the famous writer who was born in Swansea and passed away in 1953 at the young age of 39. The award aims to keep his memory alive while encouraging new voices in literature. Namita Gokhale, the chairwoman of the judging panel, expressed her excitement about this year's shortlist, stating that it is diverse and varied. She noted that the works range from ancient Sicily to modern themes, showcasing a blend of historical, contemporary, and timeless narratives through poetry, novels, and short stories. The writing displayed in this year's shortlist is described as fresh and energetic, highlighting the creativity of the young authors. The winner of the Dylan Thomas Prize will be revealed during a special ceremony in Swansea on May 15. Previous winners of this prestigious award include notable authors such as Caleb Azumah Nelson, Arinze Ifeakandu, and Patricia Lockwood, among others. The complete shortlist for this year's award includes: Rapture's Road by Seán Hewitt, a poetry collection from the UK/Ireland; Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon, a novel from Ireland; The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden, a novel from the Netherlands; I Will Crash by Rebecca Watson, a novel from the UK; Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good by Eley Williams, a collection of short stories from the UK; and The Coin by Yasmin Zaher, a novel from Palestine. This award not only recognizes the hard work of young writers but also encourages them to continue pursuing their passion for writing.