Tashan Mehta’s ‘The Mad Sisters of Esi’ Nominated for 2026 Ursula K Le Guin Prize

Indian author Tashan Mehta has received significant recognition as his novel, The Mad Sisters of Esi, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Ursula K Le Guin Prize for Fiction. This award, accompanied by a cash prize of $25,000, is presented annually to honor a singular work of imaginative fiction that embodies the spirit of creativity and depth.

The Ursula K Le Guin Prize aims to celebrate authors who are considered ‘realists of a larger reality,’ those who possess the ability to envision genuine hope and alternatives to contemporary existence. The foundation highlights how Mehta’s novel intricately weaves elements of myth, fictional scholarship, alchemy, folktales, and animism into a unique narrative structure. The story centers around the complex relationships between two pairs of sisters, separated by generations and cultural divides, ultimately constructing a rich tapestry of themes that encompass love, grief, legacy, and creation.

Published in the Indian subcontinent by HarperCollins India in 2023, The Mad Sisters of Esi has captivated readers with its layered storytelling and profound emotional resonance. The selection of this year’s shortlist was carried out by the Ursula K Le Guin Foundation through a public nomination process, a testament to the novel’s impact and the community’s support for Mehta’s work.

The jury, which includes notable authors such as Nicola Griffith, Mat Johnson, Fonda Lee, Darcie Little Badger, and Peter Rock, will evaluate the nine shortlisted works before announcing the winner on October 21. Alongside Mehta’s novel, other contenders for the award include Audition by Pip Adam, Sunward by William Alexander, Call and Response by Christopher Caldwell, Midnight Timetable: A Novel in Ghost Stories by Bora Chung (translated from Korean by Anton Hur), and The Works of Vermin by Hiron Ennes.

This notable recognition for Tashan Mehta underscores the growing prominence of Indian authors in the global literary scene, and his inclusion in this shortlist highlights the rich cultural narratives emerging from India today. As readers and critics look forward to the final announcement, Mehta’s work continues to inspire discussions around the intersection of traditional storytelling and contemporary themes.

Source: scroll.in