The hotly anticipated shortlist for the BBC National Short Story Award 2010, has been announced. On BBC Radio 4's Front Row James Naughtie - the broadcaster and chair of this year's judging panel - revealed the five stories, and was joined by Shena Mackay one of his fellow judges to discuss the choices. Eclectic in theme the stories deftly explore the human condition. A fracturing affair; love and lost opportunities; coming of age and the ties that bind family together; painful memories and vulnerability; conflict and its aftermath, are all explored in this richly textured mix of storytelling by new and established literary talents.

The five shortlisted stories are:

Tea at the Midland by David Constantine
Haywards Heath by Aminatta Forna
Butcher's Perfume by Sarah HallIf
If it Keeps on Raining by Jon McGregor
My Daughter the Racist by Helen Oyeyemi

To listen to the stories

Source: BBC