The Asian Prize for Fiction is introduced by the Asian Group of Literature to recognise and celebrate the global literature setting on the Asian plains and highlands. This is an Annual Prize Hosted by The Asian Review International, The Asian Review Sinhala, The Voice Asian and The Asian Review Quebec. Each year, this prestigious prize will traverse the diverse landscapes of member countries within the Asian Group, offering a platform to showcase the remarkable talents shaping the literary world. Anticipation mounts as Sri Lanka prepares to host the most awaited 2023 edition of The Asian Prize for Fiction in March 2025.

Welcome to the longlist of The Asian Prize for Fiction 2023 edition, where ten captivating tales await to transport readers on a journey across continents, through time, and into the depths of the human experience. This year’s long list offers a captivating selection of novels that explore themes of war, identity, social issues, love, and family, set against rich cultural backdrops.

1. Brotherless Nights by V. V. Ganeshananthan

Set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s tumultuous civil war, Brotherless Nights follows the journey of Sashi, a young woman torn between her dreams of becoming a doctor and the harsh realities of conflict. V. V. Ganeshananthan’s poignant exploration of love, loss, and moral dilemmas offers a haunting portrait of resilience in the face of adversity.

2. The Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang

In this chilling and hilariously cutting novel, June Hayward embarks on a journey of deception and intrigue after witnessing the death of literary darling Athena Liu. As June navigates the murky waters of cultural appropriation and social media, R.F. Kuang masterfully delves into questions of identity, race, and the relentless pursuit of success.

3. Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀

Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀’s dazzling story of modern Nigeria captures the riptides of wealth, power, and romantic obsession. Through the intertwined lives of Eniola and Wuraola, Adébáyọ̀ paints a vivid portrait of a society grappling with the complexities of choice and the enduring quest for hope amidst political corruption.

4. Woman Who Climbed Trees by Smriti Ravindra

In this exquisitely written tale of diaspora and identity, Meena embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she navigates the uncertain tides of her new life in Nepal. Smriti Ravindra’s poignant narrative illuminates the transitional nature of women’s lives and the enduring power of resilience in the face of adversity.

5. Witch in the Peepul Tree by Arefa Tehsin

A genre-bending tale of suspense and intrigue unfolds in the grand old house of Dada Bhai, where sinister forces lurk in the shadows. Arefa Tehsin’s mesmerizing narrative delves into the darkness that lies within, weaving a spellbinding story of mystery and redemption.

6. Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward’s haunting masterpiece transports readers to the heart of the American South, where enslaved girl Annis embarks on a journey of rebirth and reclamation amidst the unforgiving landscape of the Louisiana sugar plantation. Let Us Descend is a searing and lyrical testament to Black American grief and resilience.

7. Eternal Summer of My Homeland by Agnes Chew

Agnes Chew’s collection of stories illuminates the complexity of choice and sacrifice in the lives of her characters as they grapple with duty, desire, and the search for meaning and home. Through her lyrical prose, Chew captures the essence of human experience with grace and poignancy.

8. Love on the Second Read by Mica De Leon

Mica De Leon’s delightful romance unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of the Philippine book publishing scene, where editors Emma and Kip find themselves entangled in a literary smackdown turned love story. Love on the Second Read is a swoony romance that captures the magic of second chances and the power of love to transcend boundaries.

9. Rescuing a River Breeze by Mrinalini Harchandrai

Set against the backdrop of Portuguese-ruled Goa in 1961, Rescuing a River Breeze follows the journey of thirteen-year-old Shirly Quarachim as she navigates the tumultuous events of her time. In a story of courage and resilience, the unnamed author captures the essence of a bygone era with vivid detail and heartfelt emotion.

10. The Idle Stance of the Tippler Pigeon by Safinah Danish Elahi

Weaved on the lives of three adults who experienced a childhood trauma that left them divided and scattered, Elahi’s work is an intriguing exploration of the depth and width of life as Zohaib, Misha, and Nadia attempt to find a resolution. A story of love, loss, trauma and healing against the backdrop of Karachi elites and class divides. 

As we embark on this literary journey through the longlist of The Asian Prize for Fiction 2023 edition, boundless creativity and diversity of voices that enrich our shared literary landscape will be revealed or shared further in the corners that this literature hasn’t reached yet. Each tale offers a glimpse into the human condition, reminding us of the power of storytelling to inspire, enlighten, and unite us across cultures and continents.

So, fellow connoisseurs, what are your thoughts on these thought-provoking, illuminating literary works that have been listed for better recognition and honour? Share your opinion with us as well. This is, after all, an award with a reader-centric approach.

By Pathum Punchihewa