Published in 2017 with a foreword by Julia Bell, the fourteenth issue featured the following contributors:

Anna Pook

Alan Beard

Charlie Fish

Keith Jarrett

Grace Jacobson

Gilli Fryzer

Sogol Sur

Elinor Johns

Stephanie Hutton

Gemma Weekes

Kev Pick

Madeline Cross

Bridget Westaway

Leila Segal

Ellen Hardy

Amy J. Kirkwood

Sarah Evans

Jenn Ashworth

Reshma Ruia

Sarah Hegarty

Jo Holloway

Katie Winfield

Dane Buckley

Tom Heaton

Ruth Ivo

James Wise

Why does a London-loving immigrant feel she’s a virus? What if love cannot keep your daughter safe? How might a Muslim lodger upend your world, or bread be a barometer of grief? At a time when hate, fear and lies aim to divide us, 26 writers from across the UK reveal how much we have in common.

For the past 13 years, The Mechanics’ Institute Review has been at the forefront of showcasing up-and-coming literary talent. With this issue, it has reached even further to find the best short stories, the freshest voices, as well as new work from award-winning authors Jenn Ashworth and Alan Beard. Search for your sister with David Attenborough, for the truth with a caterpillar who’s afraid of heights; be hunted like a fox. From Partition-precarious India to change-auspicious China, quantum suicide and existential surgery to social media assassination and mythical fish, these unique perspectives will grip you.

“Teaching creative writing is a pain in the ass.” Read Julia Bell’s foreword to learn why. Read these stories for adventures of prose and rich insights that make us think differently – and that make the short story a form to hold a torch for.

MIR14 was edited by Sarah Alexander, Kate Ellis, Caroline Macaulay, Paola Moretti, Tamara Pollock, Miranda Roszkowski, Rebecca Rouillard, Sue Tyley and Katherine Vik
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