The Redemption of Galen Pike, by Welsh writer Carys Davies, has won this year’s Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award. It’s an exceptional prize with an exceptional purse: €25,000!
I offer congratulations to Ms. Davies, though I’m sad to say that I’ve read her work. This book was also among the winners of the Jerwood Fiction Uncovered Prize, announced a few weeks ago, so obviously this is a book to look into. I’m particularly interested thanks to a blurb by Piers Plowright: “As if Mark Twain and Annie Proulx had sat down at a desk together.” Can anyone out there offer some insights into her work and career?
Here is the full list of six finalists:
- Refund, by Karen E. Bender
- The Redemption of Galen Pike, by Carys Davies
- Mr. Tall: A Novella and Stories, by Tony Earley
- Infidelities, by Kirsty Gunn
- Crow Fair, by Thomas McGuane
- My Documents, by Alejandro Zambra
The only book not originally written in English is Zambra’s, suggesting the prize is not quite as international as it could be, probably for several reasons, but I’m always happy to see short story collections get any recognition.
I read it a few weeks ago and thought it extremely good – very varied in terms of subject and setting; she’s exceptionally good at convincing you within a few short pages of a whole world happening just off stage, and at surprising the reader. So far I’ve read four of the shortlist and thought it was a strong selection this year. Of those four Davies or Kirsty Gunn would have been my pick so I’m pleased to see her win.
Thanks, David. Your good opinion is even better than the prize’s, so I’m going to get this one!
Only read my documents so can’t say much but if it was better than that in judges opinions must be rather good