The longlist for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2025 has been revealed, marking a milestone year as the award celebrates its 30th anniversary. Since its founding, the Women's Prize for Fiction has served as the premier platform for celebrating the brilliance of female writers, highlighting their extraordinary contributions to literature across the globe. The prize has become an emblem of recognition, uplifting women's voices and stories that often go unacknowledged.
This year's longlist showcases the vibrant and diverse landscape of women's writing in English, offering a range of narratives from a young woman's journey of reinvention within Berlin’s artistic scene to a thought-provoking sci-fi-romance that delves into the lingering effects of imperialism.
The longlist will be narrowed down to a shortlist of six titles on April 2, with the winner announced on June 12.
Good Girl by Aria Aber
In Berlin’s underground scene, Nila escapes her troubled past and finds a new sense of self, until meeting fading American writer Marlowe Woods opens up new possibilities for her future.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
A civil servant helps a Victorian polar explorer adjust to the modern world while uncovering a mysterious time-travel experiment that forces them to confront their pasts and futures.
Somewhere Else by Jenni Daiches
After her family is killed in a pogrom, Rosa Roshkin embarks on a lifelong journey of identity, womanhood, and displacement, spanning two world wars and the creation of Israel.
Crooked Seeds by Karen Jennings
Living in post-apartheid Cape Town, Deidre grapples with her past and her identity while facing the harsh realities of her self-destructive life and confronting a traumatic family history.
All Fours by Miranda July
A semi-famous artist embarks on a spontaneous journey of self-discovery, redefining her life and relationships in a quest for freedom, as Miranda July explores human intimacy and reinvention.
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Sara is detained at a government facility based on dream data that deems her a threat to her husband, leading to a dangerous journey of self-discovery and resistance against invasive technology.
The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji
The Valiat family navigates their complex identities as they shift from being powerful figures in Iran to struggling immigrants in America, facing crises of love, money, and fulfillment across generations.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer in America, reflects on her past loves and regrets during the pandemic. Meanwhile, her best friend Zikora faces heartbreak, and her cousin Omelogor questions her success, all while Kadiatou, their housekeeper, faces an unimaginable challenge.
Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell
Ciara escapes her abusive husband, seeking refuge with her two daughters, but struggles with financial instability and emotional turmoil as she faces a relentless past.
A Little Trickerie by Rosanna Pike
Orphaned and wandering medieval England, Tibb and her friends hatch an audacious plan, but their hoax quickly spirals out of control, drawing both admirers and enemies.
Birding by Rose Ruane
Teen pop star Lydia and homebound Joyce grapple with past trauma and personal growth, their lives set on a collision course as they seek freedom and healing.
The Artist by Lucy Steeds
In 1920s Provence, Ettie silently supports her uncle’s art while hiding her own secrets, and as tensions rise, she’s ready to reveal them, even at great cost.
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
In Maine, lawyer Bob becomes embroiled in a murder case while deepening his bond with writer Lucy Barton, exploring love, regrets, and life’s complexities.
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
After WWII, Isabel’s quiet life is disrupted by her brother’s girlfriend, Eva, sparking paranoia, obsession, and a dangerous revelation that shatters her world.
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
Nadia, disowned and heartbroken, works with ISIS women in Iraq, forming a powerful bond with Sara, until a shocking secret tests their friendship and Nadia’s mission.
Words Platform Desk
Date 05.03.2025