Six Writers Shortlisted for 2026 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize

The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize has announced its 2026 shortlist, featuring six writers recognized for their contributions to literature. The nominees include Derek Owusu, Seán Hewitt, Harriet Armstrong, Colwill Brown, Sasha Debevec-McKenney, and Suzannah V. Evans. This prestigious award, which celebrates fiction in various forms—such as novels, short stories, poetry, and drama—recognizes authors aged 39 or under, honoring the legacy of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who passed away at that age. The winner will receive a £20,000 prize, with the announcement scheduled for May 14, 2026, in Swansea, Thomas's birthplace.

Seán Hewitt shortlisted for Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize

Seán Hewitt is nominated for his debut novel, *Open, Heaven*, which explores themes of hidden desire and first love. The novel has been described as “tender” and “heart-rending” by judge Prajwal Parajuly. Derek Owusu's *Borderline Fiction* follows a young Black man navigating relationships and mental health challenges, praised for its poignant narrative. Harriet Armstrong, the youngest shortlisted author at 25, presents *To Rest Our Minds and Bodies*, a darkly comic exploration of Gen Z gender relations and mental health. Colwill Brown's debut novel, *We Pretty Pieces of Flesh*, depicts the lives of three working-class girls in Doncaster from the late 1990s to 2015. The poetry collections on the shortlist are by debut authors: Shash Debevec-McKenney, whose *Joy is My Middle Name* tackles themes of race and addiction, and Suzannah V. Evans, whose *Under the Blue* reflects on caregiving realities.

The Guardian

The shortlist was selected from a longlist of 12 titles, which included works such as *Chaotic Good* by Isabelle Baafi and *What Remains After a Fire* by Kanza Javed. The judging panel, chaired by Irenosen Okojie, includes writers Joe Dunthorne, Nidhi Zak/Aria Eipe, Prajwal Parajuly, and Eley Williams. Last year's prize was awarded to Palestinian author Yasmin Zaher for her novel *The Coin*, and notable past winners include Caleb Azumah Nelson and Raven Leilani.

The GuardianSeán Hewitt shortlisted for Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize

The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize is recognized as the world's largest literary award for young writers, highlighting the importance of nurturing emerging talent in literature. The award not only provides financial support but also elevates the visibility of the shortlisted authors, potentially impacting their future careers.

Seán Hewitt shortlisted for Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize

The winner of the 2026 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize will be revealed during a ceremony on May 14, coinciding with International Dylan Thomas Day, marking a significant occasion for both the authors and the literary community.

Seán Hewitt shortlisted for Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize

• “have profound things to say about the ways we live and what it means to be human” — Irenosen Okojie, Chair of the Judging Panel

The Guardian

• “tender exploration of love and desire—heart-rending and deeply lyrical.” — Prajwal Parajuly, Judge on the Panel

Seán Hewitt shortlisted for Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize

This year's shortlist reflects a diverse range of voices and themes, underscoring the evolving landscape of contemporary literature.

The Guardian