BEFORE THE MANGO RIPENS makes 2025 aspen literary prize shortlist

The 2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize shortlist is here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for Afabwaje Kurian that her debut novel Before the Mango Ripens was selected as one of the five finalists!

Congratulations to the Aspen Words Literary Prize finalists! These books confront the complex realities of our world with empathy, insight and urgency. Here are 5 works of fiction to add to your reading list now!

• James by Percival Everett (Doubleday)

• Before the Mango Ripens by Afabwaje Kurian (Dzanc Books)

• Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (Knopf)

• There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Reyes Jr. (Mariner Books)

• The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (Avid Reader Press)

For more information, visit: https://www.aspenwords.org/literary-prize/