The 2026 Booker season is officially here, and after making my predictions I'm relieved to say the book I was surest about made it: "John of John" by Douglas Stuart — a heart-wrenching, atmospheric novel I'd been convinced there'd be near-rioting over if it were left off. I'm equally glad to see M. John Harrison's "The End of Everything," a strange, quietly political dystopia whose mood I connected with deeply, and Elizabeth Strout's "The Things We Never Say," a more overtly political turn for her that I loved.

There are, as ever, surprises — three debut novels among them, including Rebecca Perry's "May We Feed the King," fresh from the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. Marlon James returns with "The Disappearers", giving us two former winners on the list alongside Strout as a previously-listed author. Two titles — James's and Emma Cline's "Switzy" — aren't even out in the UK until September. The novel I’m most hesitant about is “The Palm House” since I loathed Gwendoline Riley’s previous novel “First Love” but I’m willing to honestly give it a try.

I've read only three of the thirteen so far, a lower hit-rate than usual, but I'm thrilled to get stuck in. My disappointments? "Transcription"'s absence stings most, and I'd hoped to see Maggie O'Farrell's "Land," Kae Tempest’s “Having Spent Life Seeking,” Tahmima Anam’s "Uprising," and Valeria Luiselli's "Beginning Middle End" too.

My online book club votes next on which we read first through August — the shortlist lands 22 September, the winner on 9 November. Take your time with these; they're worth savouring.