US author Bret Anthony Johnston wins £30,000 ‘Sunday Times’ Short Story Award

In the UK, US writer Bret Anthony Johnston has won the £30,000 (A$51,850) Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award for ‘Half of What Atlee Rouse Knows About Horses’, reports the Bookseller.

Johnston’s story centres on an older man recalling his lifelong enthusiasm for horses as his memory falters.

Judge and Sunday Times literary editor Andrew Holgate said: ‘Johnston’s story stood out for the poise, beauty and calm of its writing, the depth of its emotional engagement, and for its deep, deep resonance and humanity.’

Johnston is the director of creative writing at Harvard University. Five other shortlisted writers—Richard Lambert, Sally Rooney, Kathleen Alcott, Victor Lodato and Celeste Ng—each received £1000 (A$1728).

Category: International news