Here are the 6 novels shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction! It’s a surprising group, but I’m sure these books will inspire a lot of discussion and a range of opinions. There are an impressive four debut novels here (“The Safekeep”, “Fundamentally”, “The Persians” and “Good Girl”). There are also established authors such as Elizabeth Strout and multi-faceted artist Miranda July (whose novel “All Fours” has been nominated for many different book awards.) Yael Van Der Wouden was also shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. Many of the novels utilize humour and satire to explore serious ideas and stories. Issues to do with belonging seem to be a strong theme throughout these titles – whether it’s belonging in a nation, a culture, a home or a family. I’ve currently read five from this list and feel it’s a good group overall. I’m most disappointed not to see the novel “Nesting” by Roisin O’Donnell here as that’s been my favourite from the longlist so far. So it’s really difficult to know which way the judges might go when picking a winner on June 12. I’m also keen on reading more books from the shortlist for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction.
