The Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025 has unveiled its longlist, featuring a diverse mix of debut authors and established literary powerhouses. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding fiction written by women, spotlighting narratives that challenge, inspire, and captivate readers.
This year’s longlist showcases 16 remarkable novels, spanning genres and themes that reflect the richness of contemporary literature. Below are the nominees, along with a glimpse into what makes each book special.
Good Girl | Aria Aber
Aria Aber’s Good Girl explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family history. Through poetic prose and deeply personal storytelling, Aber crafts a novel that is both intimate and universally resonant.
The Ministry of Time | Kaliane Bradley
A genre-bending historical novel with elements of speculative fiction, The Ministry of Time follows a time-traveling diplomat navigating political intrigue. Bradley’s storytelling seamlessly blends past and future, creating a novel that is both thought-provoking and thrilling.
Somewhere Else | Jenni Daiches
Jenni Daiches presents a moving exploration of displacement and self-discovery in Somewhere Else. This novel beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of migration and the search for a place to call home.
Amma | Saraid de Silva
Amma is a powerful intergenerational story about love, culture, and the weight of family expectations. De Silva’s writing is immersive and lyrical, painting a vivid picture of relationships across different time periods.
Crooked Seeds | Karen Jennings
Karen Jennings, known for her Booker-longlisted An Island, returns with Crooked Seeds, a gripping novel about survival and resilience. The story delves into post-colonial legacies and personal reckonings, making it a deeply impactful read.
All Fours | Miranda July
Miranda July brings her signature eccentricity and emotional depth to All Fours, a novel that examines relationships, creativity, and personal reinvention. It’s a bold and unconventional story that challenges societal norms.
The Dream Hotel | Laila Lalami
In The Dream Hotel, Laila Lalami weaves a mesmerizing tale of ambition, betrayal, and the pursuit of the American Dream. With her sharp storytelling, Lalami crafts a world where reality and illusion collide.
The Persians | Sanam Mahloudji
A sweeping historical novel, The Persians explores Iran’s rich cultural and political history through the lens of personal struggles. Mahloudji’s evocative prose brings the past to life with stunning detail.
Dream Count | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie returns with Dream Count, a deeply moving novel about love, memory, and loss. Her signature storytelling brilliance shines through in this poignant exploration of identity and home.
Nesting | Roisín O’Donnell
Roisín O’Donnell’s Nesting is a haunting and beautifully written novel about motherhood and the natural world. Through an intimate narrative, O’Donnell crafts a story that lingers long after the final page.
A Little Trickerie | Rosanna Pike
Set in the world of 18th-century intrigue, A Little Trickerie is a historical novel brimming with deception and wit. Pike’s masterful storytelling immerses readers in a world of hidden identities and power struggles.
Birding | Rose Ruane
Rose Ruane’s Birding is a novel about obsession, nature, and the complexities of human relationships. With lyrical prose, Ruane explores the parallels between birdwatching and the intricacies of human emotions.
The Artist | Lucy Steeds
Lucy Steeds’ The Artist is an introspective novel that delves into the creative process and the sacrifices made for art. The novel is both a celebration and a critique of the artistic world.
Tell Me Everything | Elizabeth Strout
Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout delivers another powerful novel with Tell Me Everything, a deeply human story about secrets, relationships, and redemption. Her signature understated yet powerful prose makes this a must-read.
The Safekeep | Yael van der Wouden
A psychological drama, The Safekeep unravels a mysterious story of inheritance and hidden truths. Van der Wouden’s gripping narrative keeps readers on edge as the past and present intertwine.
Fundamentally | Nussaibah Younis
Fundamentally is a thought-provoking novel that examines faith, feminism, and personal agency. Younis crafts a deeply layered story that challenges and inspires in equal measure.
Why This Year’s List Matters
The 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist reflects a wide range of perspectives and literary styles. From historical fiction to contemporary drama, these books push boundaries and engage with pressing social issues.
For readers and book bloggers, this longlist serves as an essential TBR (To-Be-Read) list, filled with books that spark conversation and offer fresh insights into the human experience.
What’s Next?
The shortlist will be announced in the coming months, narrowing the competition down to the final contenders. The winner will be revealed later in the year, joining an esteemed group of past recipients such as Maggie O’Farrell, Tayari Jones, and Ali Smith.
Until then, book lovers have plenty of incredible stories to explore. Which of these books are you most excited to read?
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