GALLEY BEGGAR PRESS SHORT STORY PRIZE 2021/22

Our 2021/22 winning story: ‘Arrival’, by Gurnaik Johal.

‘Arrival’ by Gurnaik Johal has won the 2021/22 Galley Beggar Press Short Story Prize.

This wonderful story is one of those that extends far beyond its short length. Gurnaik Johal makes us feel like we are understanding an entire relationship from its domestic and economic arrangements right through to its complex and loving emotional core. And that’s just one aspect of a story that is full of nuance and complexity, but is also always delightfully straightforward and pleasurable to read. 

Our judge John Self says: 

“‘Arrival’ is an exquisite jewel of a story, both compact and generous. In just 1500 words, Gurnaik Johal creates a funny, surprising world that achieves a rare feat: it leaves you wanting more, while being completely satisfying.”

Isha Karki adds:

“‘Arrival’ is a perfect short story - with its deft characterisations, its playful and tender exploration of domestic routines - what it achieves in such a small space is truly remarkable.”

And Erica Wagner says:

“I am thrilled by ‘Arrival’’s win. It's a deceptively simple, unusual story; its characters are rich and true. It’s a piece that lingers long after the reader has finished it.”

Of course, while we are delighted to have such a tremendous winner, we are sad that there can be only one. Both of the other stories on our shortlist – Manish Chauhan’s ‘The Tree Wife’ and Mathilde Merouani’s ‘You and the Girls’ – demonstrate real skill and creative verve, not to mention the kind of emotional resonance that makes them particularly hard to leave behind. These decisions are never easy and we are very grateful to our judges for their careful consideration and the insightful discussions we had about each story. We are very hopeful that we’ll be hearing much more from everyone on the list. They are fine writers. It’s been another tremendous year for our competition.

Congratulations, Gurnaik!