18 September 2014
The Taxidermist’s Daughter, by Francesca Rhydderch, sees a young girl in postwar Wales become aware of her sexuality, and of an older man. In Bad Dreams by Tessa Hadley a child’s unseen awakening exposes the unease lurking beneath the surface of her home.
The all female short list also includes Zadie Smith, Lionel Shiver and Rose Tremain.
The award is one of the most prestigious for a single short story, with the winning author receiving £15,000, the runner-up £3,000 and three further shorlisted authors £500 each.
The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at Broadcasting House London on 30th September and live on Radio 4’s Front Row.
Discover more about the BBC National Short Story Award here.