The 2026 Women's Prize For Fiction Shortlist

A riveting story of a family in crisis, Flashlight unravels an intimate tragedy in a sweeping scope. Taking on family secrets, grief, and identity, this is an emotionally reflective read that’s interwoven.

Small-town secrets and unspoken rules follow the church community in Dominion, Mississippi, where Reverend Sabre Winfrey Jr. and his five sons reside. But after an unexpected encounter with a stranger, the family wrestles with drama that sends shockwaves through the congregation in Addie Citchens’ sharp debut.

Who we are with different people is really up to us, and Sybil channels different parts of herself into the letters she writes. A journey of growing older, healing and embracing the winds of change, this reflective and funny read is perfect for epistolary fans.

Mercy is a precocious young girl living in 1960s Bradford, where she struggles to find her place within her family and finds comfort in her doll, Dolly. A story of resilience and growth through the eyes of a child, The Mercy Step is a tender coming-of-age debut from Marcia Hutchinson.

Poetry, love, obsession and illness intertwine in this vividly written story that explores the mysteries of what draws humans to each other and the unexpected ways life stirs us in different directions.

Ghosts of a passionate college love triangle resurface, stirring up Jordan’s life decades later. Known for witty and emotionally moving stories that deeply resonate with her fans, Lily King does it again.

Explore This Year's Longlist