We are delighted to announce the winner of the 2021 V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prize, Leeor Ohayon with ‘Gahnun on Shabbat’. Congratulations Leeor!

This prize was founded by the RSL at the beginning of the new millennium to commemorate the centenary of an author widely regarded as the finest English short-story writer of the 20th century, and to preserve a tradition encompassing Pritchett’s mastery of narrative.

The annual prize of £1,000 goes to the best unpublished short story of the year. The winning entry is also published in Prospect magazine and the RSL Review.

Here’s what this year’s judges, Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Paul McVeigh and Emma Jane Unsworth, had to say:

Rowan Hisayo Buchanan: ‘There is a delicacy to the ending of this story that was particularly strong. It shows us the way one can be simultaneously within and without a community.’

Paul McVeigh: ‘A tender, moving piece I enjoyed from start to finish. This story has stayed with me. It was my winner from first read.’

Emma Jane Unsworth: ‘Funny, smart, poignant and charming – this story had everything and was also perfectly paced. Made me smile and cry – and everything in between! A genuine joy to read.’

Watch Leeor on what winning the Prize means and reading from his winning entry. 

Please read the press release for more information.

We are grateful to ALCS for supporting this year’s Prize and to Prospect magazine for publishing the winning entry online.