I’m very excited to share the news that my short story “Lost Boys” has joined a shortlist of 28 writers from 19 countries for this year’s Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
“Lost Boys” tells the story of a gay teenager sent to a re-education camp by his religious parents. In the story, I ask questions about masculinity, desire, and how particular ideas of what it means to be a man are challenged or reproduced by each generation.
The story was selected from over 6600 entries from an international judging panel chaired by Pakistani writer and translator Bilal Tanweer, who said, ‘On behalf of the jury, I am thrilled to reveal the shortlist for the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. This year’s shortlist is a concert of voices from across the Commonwealth, showcasing the richness of its writing traditions, histories, and perspectives. These stories brim with the energy and urgency of the present moment—read them to experience the beat and pulse of contemporary storytelling.’
Five regional finalists will be selected in May, and the overall Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner will be announced in June.
Listen as I discuss my short story “Lost Boys”.