The winner of The Story Prize for short story collections published in 2011 is Steven Millhauser for We Others: New & Selected Stories (Alfred A. Knopf). Millhauser takes home a check for $20,000 and an engraved silver bowl. The runners-up, Don DeLillo and Edith Pearlman, each take home $5,000. It was a pleasure to talk these authors and to hear all three read.
In many respects, these were the best matched finalists we've had. All three books collect stories that show an impressive range and breadth, written over more than 30 years. It's no exaggeration to say that all three authors are skillful and supremely accomplished. Don DeLillo's The Angel Esmeralda (Scribner) and Edith Pearlman's Binocular Vision (Lookout Books) deserve the admiration and passionate followings they've earned, as does Millhauser's work.
In the days ahead, here and at the mother ship, we'll post citations from the judges, photos from the event, and links to media coverage.