IF you’re searching for a meaningful Christmas gift for the book lover in your life, The Furphy Anthology 2025 is one to wrap, read and treasure.
Released by Hardie Grant this month, the beautifully presented collection brings together 15 standout short stories selected from the national Furphy Literary Award, one of Australia’s most respected short story competitions. Now in its sixth year, the anthology showcases an impressive range of voices, styles and themes, from laugh-out-loud moments to deeply moving reflections on memory, identity and human connection.
This year’s anthology was chosen from a near-record 788 entries, with the top three places awarded to emerging writers whose talent is already turning heads in Australian literary circles. Taking out first place is Serena Moss, from Geraldton in Western Australia, for her winning story The Eulogy Business — a witty, heartfelt and unexpectedly tender tale about discovering a surprising gift for writing eulogies. Serena was awarded $15,000, publication in the anthology and a residency at La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus.
Second and third place went to Charlotte Askew for Somewhere Above the Artesian and Amy L. Montague for All The Moments I Still Live In, rounding out a collection that judges have described as bold, confident and deeply engaging.
Adding to its appeal, The Furphy Anthology 2025 features one of the award’s signature eye-catching covers, with a second striking design revealed beneath the dust jacket — a delight for collectors and design lovers alike.
At $35 RRP, this anthology is the perfect Christmas gift: proudly Australian, beautifully crafted, and filled with stories to linger over long after the festive season ends.
