The shortlist for the prestigious Winston Graham Historical Prize 2025 has been revealed, showcasing six captivating novels that transport readers through centuries of British and Irish history. From medieval England to the chilling atmosphere of the 1960s, the selected works present a remarkable range of storytelling, each with a distinct sense of place.
The Winston Graham Historical Prize was established through a bequest from Winston Graham, the renowned author of Poldark, to the Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC). The annual prize, which includes a £3,000 reward, will be presented at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, following its recent reopening after a period of closure.
Exploring the Past through Fiction
This year’s shortlist includes historical fiction titles published within the last 12 months, offering unique interpretations of past lives. The selection ranges from debut authors to established literary figures, featuring stories that span from medieval England to 1960s Britain, with settings that evoke the mood of their respective eras.
The following novels have made the cut:
Mother Naked by Glen James Brown (Peninsula Press)
Inspired by a payment made during the Black Death and Peasants’ Revolt, this novel follows a wandering minstrel who tells tales of Durham’s past.
Available on Amazon
A Little Trickerie by Rosanna Pike (Fig Tree)
In this debut novel, Tibb Ingleby and a band of misfits devise an elaborate scheme to escape the harsh social injustice of medieval life.
Available on Amazon
The Book of Days by Francesca Kay (Swift Press)
Set in Tudor England, a noblewoman seeks solace in nature as the Reformation unfolds and her husband fades away.
Available on Amazon
Clear by Carys Davies (Granta Books)
A haunting tale set in 19th-century Shetland, where the isolation of a remote Scottish island is broken by the power of human connection.
Available on Amazon
Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor (Picador)
This debut novel, set on a Welsh island during World War II, explores themes of belonging and betrayal.
Available on Amazon
The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller (Sceptre)
Against the backdrop of the harsh 1962-1963 winter in a South West English village, this story explores quiet moments that reveal the complexities of the human heart.
Available on Amazon
Judging Panel Faces a Challenging Decision
The shortlist was curated by a readers’ committee, with the final decision now in the hands of a distinguished panel of judges. The winner will be announced during an award ceremony on 11 June 2025.
The judging panel includes:
Peggotty Graham, academic and daughter-in-law of Winston Graham
Francis Spufford, award-winning author of Golden Hill
Lamorna Ash, author of Dark, Salt, Clear: Life in a Cornish Fishing Town, which was shortlisted for the Wainwright Nature Writing Prize
Colin Midson, publishing consultant and founder of the Falmouth Book Festival
Charlotte Hobson, chair of the panel and author of Black Earth City and The Vanishing Futurist
Charlotte Hobson shared her thoughts on the shortlist, noting, “It’s a thrilling and diverse selection, from well-known names to debut authors, taking us from the life of a medieval Gleeman to the frozen landscape of the 1960s. Our readers’ committee has worked passionately to bring us to this point, and we’re excited to make the difficult decision ahead.”
A Summer Reading List with Purpose
Bryony Robins, Co-Director of Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, expressed excitement over the shortlist, saying, “Every year, we eagerly anticipate the announcement of the shortlist, as it provides the perfect reading list for the summer. This year’s collection features contemporary works that reshape our understanding of history – an effort that mirrors our own storytelling at the museum through our galleries and collections.”
The Winston Graham Historical Prize continues to celebrate the power of historical fiction to bring the past to life, inviting readers to reconsider their view of history. With such a strong and diverse shortlist, this year’s winner promises to be one to watch.
