An observational short story which features a gay couple has won the 2008 Katherine Mansfield Premier Award.Written by Melbourne-based writer Julian Novitz, Three Couples looks at three relationships, which are between people interconnected through family or work.

Set in Wellington, the story is dripping with hilariously dark humour and irony, with characters who are entirely original, while also surprisingly real.

It begins its look at a gay couple with “Peni is thirty-two, Chris is twenty-three. They have been a couple for seven months, though Chris still sleeps with other people.” Novitz then writes that Peni, a lawyer, wants Chris to move in with him, but Chris knows that will never happen.

This sets up a delicious look at the relationship, along with those of two other couples.  They hurtle towards an awkward group dinner, which provides a turning point for some.

Congratulations to Julian Novitz, who wins $10,000 for the story.  He has already published two books - My Real Life and Other Stories, as well as Holocaust Tours.