Khoo wins 2023 Rachel Funari Prize for Fiction

The winner of the 2023 Rachel Funari Prize for Fiction is Sydney Khoo for their story 返屋企 [faan uk kei].

Judges Kate Mildenhall, Sara El Sayed and Katherine Larsen said, ‘This is an assured and compelling short story that shows a writer confident in their craft and their experimentation with form and voice. It demonstrates excellent technical execution and embodiment of the theme. Written in sharp and vivid prose, 返屋企 [faan uk kei] explores the suppression of personhood, and what it means to no longer recognise one’s own body as home.’

Second place was awarded to Karen Howie Casey for her story ‘Little Battles Everywhere’ and third place was awarded to Sonal Kamble for her story ‘Precious Horrors’. Jean Flynn’s story ‘Pink’, and Alaina Dean’s story ‘Normal Woman at the Saturday Morning Farmers’ Market’ were Highly Commended.

Chosen from a shortlist of 10 announced in June, Khoo receives a $1000 cash prize, while second and third place awarded $500 and $250 respectively. All winners will additionally receive a book pack and publication on Lip‘s website.

Now in its 11th year, the prize is open to women, female-identifying and non-binary writers, and is held in honour of Lip’s late founding editor, Rachel Funari. This year writers were invited to respond to the theme ‘revolt’.

For more information visit the Lip website.

Category: Awards Local news