The BBC National Short Story Award 2022

by Elizabeth Day (Introduction), Kerry Andrew, Jenn Ashworth

Established in 2005, the BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University was originally conceived to highlight a literary genre regarded as undervalued and under threat. Its aim was to recognise and celebrate the very best writers of short fiction who had no prize equivalent to major literary awards like the Man Booker Prize.
Fifteen years on, the short story is in robust health and the BBC National Short Story Award is recognised as the most prestigious for a single short story with the winning writer receiving £15,000 and the four shortlisted writers £600 each. Every year, the shortlisted stories are broadcast on Radio 4 and published in this anthology by Comma Press.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Anthologies

194 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2022

About the author

Elizabeth Day is the author of The Party and other books, as well as one of the most influential podcasters at work today. Her show, How to Fail, has become a go-to hitmaker, launching authors such as Meg Mason and Glennon Doyle onto the bestseller list in the UK. She divides her time between London and Los Angeles.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Katie Lumsden]

It’s always hard to rate a short story anthology. I especially loved the first and last stories.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant: I liked every story almost equally, although all boasted different styles and subjects. Two were set in a near future where clones are purchaseable or fatal disease has struck most of the population. In another, gorgeously written, a woman witnesses a stabbing and goes into strange landscapes, pubs and estates that don't quite resemble the ones we know. Another is set at a holiday villa, a 'blended' family, more straightforward, but again, perfectly executed. The authors are all young(ish) women (I think), the vanguard of new fiction it says in the preface and I wouldn't bet against it.

[Tracey Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woohoo! It’s one of the highlights of my literary year once again. The best in British short story-writing talent is celebrated, and shared with the world. 

I was so, so chuffed that Laura from the amazing Comma Press sent over a copy of these stories, as it doesn’t even appear to be available in the US yet. But never fear, because all the nominated stories are available worldwide on BBC Sounds.

And the moon descends on the temple that was, by Kerry Andrew

This is Kerry Andrew’s second appearance on the NSSA shortlist, their previous story To Belong To was shortlisted in 2018, and is a gorgeous story about grief. This year, Andrew has written a tale of two different men thrown together on a road trip through a post-apocalyptic world, and the unexpected relationship that blossoms. Andrew’s story is so rich, it almost feels like an entire novel. 

The multi-talented Andrew is also an accomplished composer, and their musical touches to the story give it an extra layer of authenticity. The brief author’s note after the story made me do a little cry.

Flat 19, by Jenn Ashworth

I won’t lie, I’m a Jenn Ashworth fangirl. When I saw her name on the NSSA shortlist, I did a little yelp. Her recent novels Ghosted, and Fell, and wonderful, but I have absolutely adored her short stories for years. 

Flat 19 is the gloriously odd tale of Eve, who takes strange measures to temporarily escape her life. I won’t say much more, because this story is full of surprises, and I absolutely loved it. I completely related to a story of an overwhelmed wife, mother, employee, woman, and I thought Jenn’s creative solution to the problem was genius. The ending genuinely made me say “oh my god” out loud, and it was perfect. As a Shirley Jackson fan, it made my heart glow.

Long Way to Come for a Sip of Water, by Anna Bailey

This story is about a man driving across Texas to see his estranged, dying brother, to claim the house that he feels is rightfully his. It is another story of blossoming relationships, and suppressed sexuality. I always enjoy reading about British writers’ takes on the US; especially when they have lived here, which Bailey evidently did. There can be a strange beauty to the desolate landscapes, which Bailey has captured beautifully.

Green Afternoon, by Vanessa Onwuemezi

Another standout story for me. Almost like a dream, we are guided through an unconventional murder mystery, with Onwuemezi’s gorgeous poetic language. Again, no spoilers for this one, but the labyrinthine journey is worth the incredibly sad payoff. I haven’t had a chance to listen to this one yet, but I’m looking forward to hearing the beautiful rhythms come alive.

Blue 4Eva, by Saba Sams

This is definitely the sweetest story of the bunch. A newly blended family takes their first vacation together, further intensifying a feud between Jasmine, and her new younger step-sister Stella. When Jasmine invites her friend Blue to join them, Stella becomes besotted with this wonderful woman. 

I loved this story too, it’s incredibly warm. A gorgeous coming-of-age tale, highlighting key moments of self-discovery. It’s beautiful. 

Another incredibly strong shortlist, with a wide variety of stories. Flat 19 is my winner, but I’m just happy these stories have been shared.

Thanks to the BBC for keeping this award going, and to Comma Press for publishing the collection. And if you ever want help judging the award, you know where to find me!

[Gem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure why I’ve not picked up the BBC short stories collections in the past, but will definitely be reading back over the years.

The first & last stories by Kerry Andrew & Saba Sams were the most captivating to me, but I enjoyed them all. And look at that jacket design by David Eckersall 👀 !

[Harriet Moar-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all but one of these short stories, but I suppose that's the point of a collection - it's a literature pick and mix.

Some of the images conjured will stick with me for a while, and despite not usually loving forwards, I particularly liked the part of the forward where Day talks about how an excellent short story is all of the things they're not saying as well as what is on the page.

[Tim Palfreman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, eclectic mix of stories, though none of them really grabbed me.

[Catherine Blanchard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Standouts were
Long Way to Come for a Sip of Water by Anna Bailey 4*
Green Afternoon by Vanessa Onwuemezi4*

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love short storiessss. Watch me read the rest of this collection asap.
Positive side-note; all of the stories in this collection were written by women. Get it, girls.

[Miranda Adderley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stunning short stories .

[Luke]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gXsx... - description here

[Danielle Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of short stories.