Maltese writer John Edward DeMicoli nominated for Commonwealth Short Story Prize

Maltese writer John Edward DeMicoli has been shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2026.

DeMicoli has been recognised for his short story The Bastion’s Shadow, which focuses on the experiences of an NGO worker assisting migrants.

Organised by the Commonwealth Foundation, the prize celebrates outstanding unpublished short fiction from across the Commonwealth.

DeMicoli’s story has been selected for the Canada and Europe regional shortlist, appearing alongside two entries from the UK, as an international panel of judges chose 25 writers from a pool of 7,806 entrants.

DeMicoli said it was a "privilege to share this story with an international audience and to stand alongside such remarkable writers."

"The Bastion’s Shadow grew from a deep attachment to Valletta and the sense that its limestone carries memory. Having witnessed the realities of migration across the Mediterranean, I wanted to explore how a city built for defence might respond today, where remembering names and recognising dignity become a quiet form of guardianship," DeMicoli said.

DeMicoli said he hoped to share his work with a wider audience and to be part of a community that celebrates diverse voices across the Commonwealth. “I hope this might be seen as a positive moment for Maltese writing.”