The Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction shortlist for 2023 has been announced!
The Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction serves as a testament to Le Guin’s enduring influence on the literary world. Established in 2019, this annual award recognizes exceptional works of fiction that embody the spirit of Le Guin’s writing, characterized by innovative storytelling, imaginative world-building, and thought-provoking exploration of social and political issues.
Ursula K. Le Guin’s literary legacy is unmatched. Throughout her prolific career, she penned numerous groundbreaking novels, short stories, and essays that challenged societal norms, delved into complex themes, and expanded the realms of speculative fiction. Her thought-provoking works, including The Left Hand of Darkness and the Earthsea series, have inspired generations of readers and writers alike, earning her prestigious accolades such as the Hugo, Nebula, and National Book Awards.
By acknowledging and celebrating outstanding fiction, the prize not only pays tribute to the late Ursula K. Le Guin but also encourages authors to push the boundaries of literary conventions, challenge established norms, and engage readers on a profound level.
Last year, the prize went to The House of Rust by Khadija Abdalla Bajaber.
The winner of the award will receive a $25,000 prize.
The nominees (as selected by the Ursula K. Le Guin Literary Trust) are as follows:
2023 Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction Shortlist
The judges for the award will be William Alexander, Alexander Chee, Karen Joy Fowler, Tochi Onyebuchi, and Shruti Swamy.
For more on the awards, please see Electric Literature’s article.