The Orwell Prizes 2021 Winners
It is our pleasure to confirm Between Two Fires by Joshua Yaffa and Summer by Ali Smith as the winners of the 2021 Orwell Prizes.
Named in honour of the pioneering political journalist and prophetic novelist George Orwell, the Orwell Prizes are Britain’s premier award for political writing in both non-fiction and fiction.
The Orwell Prize for Political Writing
Taking the award for Political Writing, Between Two Fires examines the modern authoritarianism of Putin’s reign through the stories of individual Russians. With extraordinary clarity and depth, Joshua Yaffa reveals the political, personal and moral compromises required to navigate the precarious system.
‘ A magnificent and moving account of everyday life in Putin’s Russia. Beautiful and haunting, Yaffa illuminates the challenges of moral life and the ways in which authoritarian rule is maintained. ’
Chair of Judges
The Orwell Prize for Political Writing Shortlist
The Orwell Prize for Political Writing Longlist
The Orwell Prize for Political Fiction
Ali Smith triumphs in the Political Fiction category with Summer – the finale to her prescient Seasonal Quartet. Readable as a standalone novel and moving between contemporary Brighton and wartime internment camps, Summer is at once a razor-sharp exploration of life during Brexit and the pandemic and a finely wrought story of time and forgiveness.
‘ Capturing a snapshot of life in Britain right up until the present day, Smith takes the emotional temperature of a nation grappling with a global pandemic, the brink of Brexit, heart-breaking conditions for refugees, and so much more.’
Chair of Judges
The Orwell Prize for Political Fiction Shortlist
The Orwell Prize for Political Fiction Longlist
Previous Winners
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