The 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction has revealed its shortlist, highlighting six exceptional novels that tackle themes of personal freedom, human connection, and the search for identity. The shortlist offers a diverse range of voices and perspectives, with many of the books exploring the intricacies of love, friendship, autonomy, and the impact of history on the present.
This year’s shortlist marks the 30th anniversary of the prestigious award and features a compelling mix of established authors and fresh new voices. The nominated works span multi-generational narratives, showcasing the diverse experiences and identities of their characters. Several novels include a strong focus on the quest for individual freedom and how relationships—whether queer, familial, or romantic—serve as anchors in the face of life’s challenges.
A key theme among the selected books is the role of humor in addressing difficult topics. From biting satire to subtle observational comedy, the authors use humor to explore complex issues like cultural heritage, personal awakening, and the complexities of modern life. Emotional and sexual reawakenings, particularly through queer relationships, are also prominent themes in this year’s shortlist.
The 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist, listed alphabetically by author, includes:
Good Girl by Aria Aber (published by Bloomsbury Publishing)
All Fours by Miranda July (published by Canongate Books)
The Persians by Sanam Mahloudji (published by 4th Estate, HarperCollins)
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout (published by Viking, Penguin General, Penguin Random House)
The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (published by Viking, Penguin General, Penguin Random House)
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis (published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Orion Publishing Group, Hachette)
Reflecting on the selection process, the judging panel emphasized the originality, accessibility, and brilliance that each of these novels embodies. “Over the past six months, my fellow judges and I have immersed ourselves in the incredible worlds these authors have created,” said one of the judges. “What stands out is how each of these novels exemplifies the Prize’s core values—offering rich, multi-layered narratives that will surprise, move, and delight readers.”
With its focus on human connection and the subtle blend of humor and depth, the shortlist promises to deliver stories that resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. These six novels, according to the judges, have the potential to become future classics.
