Jack Houston's experimental story is about two young women living on society's edge who are caught in a downward spiral of addiction and poverty .The reader is Anne-Marie Duff. Show more

Caleb Azumah Nelson's story is a poetic parable about loss, longing and brotherhood. Recalling a hot summer in South East London, it is evocative and urgent. Ben Bailey Smith reads. Show more

In Sarah Hall's evocative story about a troubled young woman who is exploring her place in her family and society. Lydia Wilson reads. Show more

Jan Carson’s shortlisted story is the gently humorous tale of a Protestant Northern Irish family get-together that doesn’t go to plan. Laura Donnelly reads. Show more

Eley Williams cautionary tale about late night texts and mating walruses. Here a very contemporary search for connection lurks beneath wit and wordplay. Charlotte Ritchie reads. Show more