Finalists have been announced for the Caine Prize for African Writing, which "celebrates the richness and diversity of African literature and recognizes outstanding achievements in African storytelling." The five shortlisted stories were selected from 320 entries originating from 28 African countries.
The winner will be named September 17. All of the shortlisted stories will be published in The Caine Prize Anthology alongside stories written at the Caine Prize Workshop, held this year in Malawi. The shortlisted writers are:
Tryphena Yeboah (Ghana) for "The Dishwashing Women" (Narrative Magazine)
Nadia Davids (South Africa) for "Bridling" (The Georgia Review)
Samuel Kolawole (Nigeria) for "Adjustment of Status" (New England Review, Vol. 44, #3)
Uche Okonkwo (Nigeria) for "Animals" (ZYZZYVA)
Pemi Aguda (Nigeria) for "Breastmilk" (One Story, Issue #227)
Chair of judges Chika Unigwe said, "These stories, ranging from speculative to realistic, cover diverse subject matters but share a common thread: they are compelling, universal human stories. They offer insights into our societies, governments, cultures, and the broader world, ultimately posing the fundamental question that all great art asks: How do we navigate life? They explore this question with empathy, thoughtfulness, humor, and prose that is both sublime and accessible."