Here are the 6 novels on the Women's Prize for Fiction 2026 shortlist! A new video is up on my YouTube channel reacting to each title as it is revealed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3ziiBgasQ4

I managed to read 13 of the 16 longlisted novels and I've read the entire shortlist. This is an interesting group of books with a few surprises. I was very much rooting for “The Correspondent”, “Flashlight” and “Dominion” to become finalists. I absolutely loved Virginia Evans' epistolary novel which balances several compelling plot lines and it's a many-faceted celebration of the power of the written word. Susan Choi's novel has already received a lot of praise – and rightfully so – as this story gradually explores a complex family dynamic and hidden cross-national history. Addie E Citchens' debut novel is so accomplished in how it explores the perspectives of two women in a predominantly patriarchal community. It's both a meditation on the impact of religious faith and the sometimes misplaced faith we have in those closest to us.

When I first started reading “Heart the Lover” I thought the story of a young woman's academic life was fine, but the second half of the novel completely hypnotised me as it meditates on the road not taken, longterm secrets and explores life going forward. “Kingfisher” is such a surprising novel as it follows a creative writing academic in a gay relationship who lives a very passive existence until he discovers a passion for an older female poet/essayist. It's refreshing how this story gives a reversal of the familiar older man/younger woman romance tale. “The Mercy Step” is a moving episodic story that follows a young woman of Caribbean heritage from the womb to a point in her life when she's establishing independence from her tight-knit family unit and abusive father. I loved her first experience going to a panto and how she becomes a passionate reader spending all her free time in the library.

I was disappointed that “Gloria Don't Speak”, “A Guardian and a Thief” and “The Benefactors” didn't make the shortlist. These were such wonderful, surprising reading experiences and I'd highly recommend them. In particular it's been great to see debut novelist Lucy Apps and talented Northern Irish writer Wendy Erskine getting some well-deserved recognition.