12 Orwell Prize finalists reflect on their motivation for writing amid chaos.

This year’s Orwell Prize for Political Writing and Political Fiction finalists encompass a diverse range of authors addressing various political topics such as the Russian state, technology, feminism, and climate change. The ceremony, set to take place on June 25th in London, will see each winner being awarded £3,000 for their exceptional work. In preparation for the event, these finalists were asked a fundamental question: Why do you write?

Edward Wong, author of “At the Edge of Empire,” expressed his motivation to make sense of a world often plagued by chaos. Through his writing, Wong aims to uncover hope amidst injustice, violence, and unpredictability, offering a lens of empathy to navigate the complexities of existence.

Victoria Amelina’s book, “Looking at Women, Looking at War,” delves into the author’s pursuit of justice amidst Russia’s invasion. Utilizing writing as an instrument for transformation and the promotion of human rights, Amelina emphasizes the importance of narratives that center around people and their experiences.

Gabriel Gatehouse, author of “The Coming Storm,” views writing as a tool to distill complex information and present it in a coherent narrative. By removing extraneous details, Gatehouse aims to provide readers with a clearer understanding of the world around them.

In “The Baton and the Cross,” Lucy Ash confronts the hypocrisy within religious and political spheres, shedding light on issues such as gender inequality and violence. Her anger towards institutions that profess piety while perpetuating harmful practices motivated Ash to expose the incongruities present in society.

Mishal Husain’s work, “Broken Threads,” delves into the complex historical events surrounding India and Pakistan. Through his storytelling, Husain uncovers the impact of political decisions on individual lives, emphasizing the lasting repercussions of past actions on present-day relations.

Simon Parkin, author of “The Forbidden Garden of Leningrad,” views writing as a means to bring order to the chaos of life. By selecting specific details and arranging them in a coherent narrative, Parkin seeks to draw connections between past experiences and contemporary challenges.

Anne Applebaum, author of “Autocracy, Inc.,” utilizes reporting and research to understand and contextualize political events. Through her writing, Applebaum aims to make sense of complex issues and provide clarity for readers seeking to comprehend the world around them.

On the fiction front, authors such as Jo McMillan, Elif Shafak, Natasha Brown, Noah Eaton, and Donal Ryan offer unique perspectives on the motivations behind their writing. From countering dominant narratives to exploring language neutrality, these authors reflect on the multiplicity, freedom, and exploration inherent in the act of storytelling. Each author brings a distinct voice and purpose to their work, underscoring the power of literature to challenge, inspire, and connect across diverse political landscapes.