Maykopsky District, Adyghe Oblast by Richard Smyth

Available for 255 days

The final story in this year's BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University - a Cold War tale of secrets and lies out on the Russian steppe. Now in its sixteenth year, the BBC National Short Story Award with Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious for a single short story. Following the announcement of the shortlist on Radio 4's Front Row, on Friday 10th September, the five stories in contention for the 2021 award will be broadcast each weekday afternoon on Radio 4 at half past three from Monday, 20th September. Each of the shortlisted writers will be interviewed the evening preceding the broadcast of their story on Front Row, and the winner will be announced live on the programme Tuesday 19th October. All the stories will be available on BBC Sounds after broadcast, and there will be a special edition of the Short Story podcast for each to download. For links and the most up to date information go to bbc.co.uk/nssa Read by Blake Ritson Producer: Justine Willett