Book a Break short story competition results

The results are in! Below is the judge's report from Sherry Morris, last year's winner, who kindly took it upon herself to handle the final stages of the decision - always the most difficult. So a big thank you to Sherry, but also to everyone who submitted - it's been a pleasure to read such a variety of stories, each with its own distinct setting, characters and voice. I will be writing to everyone individually as soon as possible, but don't worry if you don't hear from me straightaway - it might take a little while to get round to it. In the meantime, here is Sherry's text, where all I have done is to add the names of the authors. 

It was such a treat to read the stories submitted for this year’s Book a Break competition. As I wrapped up in a blanket and sat in front of the fire (the best way to survive a Scottish winter), I looked forward to sinking my teeth into stories that dealt with the theme ‘nourishment’.

And I wasn’t disappointed. These stories were tasty! Writers approached the theme in a variety of inventive ways with locations ranging from Hungary, Croatia, Nepal, Lahore and North Dakota. With a theme like ‘nourishment’ it wasn’t surprising to have settings such as cafes, cooking schools and kitchens, but there were stories set in hospitals, GP surgeries, greenhouses, mountain tops and church tops. Transport also featured in quite a few stories with stories taking place on the London Underground, cars and trains. Two of the more exotic locations were an animal rehabilitation centre for seals and the bottom of a well, where the party never stopped. I loved the various ways writers chose their characters’ nourishment. It wasn’t just food. Some characters used travel, music, and nature. Many used the nourishment (or lack) of love that family and relationships provide. Some writers flipped this idea on its head and it was humans who literally nourished carnivorous plants and wine-tasting vampires. There were also some unique points of view: a cookie and a bird being two that stood out. Stories involving death and eating disorders were not uncommon.

I was pleased to see how many stories had a global perspective and diverse characters. Reading through the stories several times, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the quality and amazed by the inventiveness. Many times I shuffled and reshuffled my top ten, then read the stories again, choosing my top five, agonising how I would choose further. It wasn’t easy, but time and again, these three stories rose to the top and stayed with me the longest.

As I see it, The Sad Tagine (Laura Theis) is the clear winner. It's funny, touching, on-theme and is a strong story that deals with grief in an interesting and ultimately uplifting way. It also made me laugh. Each time I read it, I liked it more.

Then, it's The Light of Their Lives (Boris Glikman). I find it to be a cleverly written satire that made me chuckle. With its clinical, detached style, I felt it made a strong, if cynical, point about society today. Each time i read it, I found something new I liked.

Then, it's Book a Break (Gayatri Swaminathan). I found the characters compelling, the story moving and while I wish it had been further developed, I liked very much what this writer did with the story and it stayed with me. I hope this writer keeps writing. (Also that she finds a title! But it didn't count against her as the rules didn't specify that - Curtis.)

I’d also like to mention Harvest (Arron Evans). A short, brutal story that occasionally was overladen with descriptors, but the end is unforgettable. I (still) can’t stop thinking about what must have gone on before the story started.

To everyone who submitted a story, thank you! It was a privilege and honour to read them all, and I wish you the very best with your stories and writing. I salute your perseverance. Keep going and keep writing!