The Neukom Institute for Computational Science at Dartmouth College has awarded the inaugural 2018 Neukom Institute Literary Arts Awards in Speculative Fiction. The awards go to three works of fiction that demonstrate that the future can be imagined as something other than a slick, techno-dystopia. The open category award was shared by Lavie Tidhar’s CENTRAL STATION and On the Edge of Gone by Corinne Duyvis. The debut speculative fiction award goes to Best Worst American by Juan Martinez.

Books that imagine futures far and near, nudged or driven by science but still bound by the human experience, have been named to the shortlist for the inaugural Neukom Institute Literary Arts Awards.

Included within the list of 11 finalist books in the speculative fiction genre are novels, a graphic novel, young adult work, and collections of stories. The finalists comprise a mix of first-time and established authors.

“These books run the gamut in form, context, and outlook. We see irony, adventure, humor, and loss,” said Dan Rockmore, director of the Neukom Institute. “Whether describing a cloned space crew, the future of sexual relations, or everyday life in a changed environment, the Neukom shortlist is filled with essential reads that address the complexities that the future may bring.” The shortlist was prepared by Rockmore and Dartmouth colleagues Alexander Chee and Tarek El-Ariss.

Each award winner will receive a $5,000 honorarium that will be presented during a Dartmouth-hosted panel to discuss the genre and their work.

For more info about CENTRAL STATION, visit the Tachyon page.

Cover and image by Sarah Anne Langton