The Minutes by Nell Stevens is the fifth story up for the prestigious BBC National Short Story Award 2018 with Cambridge University. Here art and activism come together and things aren't quite what they seem. Tuppence Middleton reads. To find out who will win this year's award listen to the award ceremony which will be broadcast live on Radio 4's Front Row from Cambridge University on Tuesday, 2nd October. This year's shortlist will be available as a podcast, to find out more go to the Radio...

The Sweet Sop by Ingrid Persaud is the fourth contender for the celebrated BBC National Short Story Award 2018 with Cambridge University. In her story there's emotional blackmail and sweet release. Leemore Marrett Junior reads You can hear the five stories in contention for this major BBC award for a single short story each afternoon on BBC Radio 4 at 3.30 from Monday, 17th - Friday 21st September. This year's shortlist will be available as a podcast, to find out more go to the Radio 4...

Kiare Ladner's Van Rensburg's Card is the third shortlisted entry for the esteemed BBC National Short Story Award 2018 with Cambridge University. In her story, a simple note brings solace and the prospect of new hope. Carolyn Pickles reads. To find out who will win this year's hotly contested award listen to the award ceremony which will be broadcast live from Cambridge University on Tuesday, 2nd October live on Front Row. All five of the shortlisted entries will be available as a podcast,...

Today, Sudden Traveller by Sarah Hall is the second contender for the BBC National Short Story Award 2018 with Cambridge University. Profound loss is followed by new life and new love. Rebekah Staton reads You can hear the five stories in contention for this major BBC award for a single short story each afternoon on BBC Radio 4 at 3.30 from Monday, 17th - Friday 21st September. To find out who will win this year's award listen to the award ceremony which will be broadcast live on Front Row...

To Belong To by Kerry Andrew is the first contender for the prestigious BBC National Short Story Award 2018 with Cambridge University now celebrating its thirteenth year. In this story, unsure he can go on, a desperate man is revived by the hospitality of strangers. Tobias Menzies reads The kindness of strangers and the meaning of home are key themes in the five shortlisted entries for this year's BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University, now celebrating its thirteenth year....

Joanna Vanderham reads The Waken by Jenny Fagan

Blake Ritson reads Murmur by Will Eaves

Tamara Lawrance reads Helen Oyeyemi's short story.

Jamie Parker reads The Edge of the Shoal by Cynan Jones

In Benjamin Markovits's shortlisted story a lonely man is struggling to come to terms with recent events which are shrouded in mystery. Kyle Soller reads. Benjamin Markovits grew up in Texas, London, Oxford and Berlin. He has published seven novels, including Either Side of Winter, about a New York private school, and a trilogy on the life of Lord Byron: Imposture, A Quiet Adjustment and Childish Loves. His most recent novel, You Don't Have To Live Like This, about an experimental community...