It’s almost longlist time for the Women’s Prize for Fiction which will be celebrating its thirtieth year this time around. Tuesday March 4th is the date to add your diary. Only novels written by women in English published between April 1st 2024 and March 31st 2025 qualify. I’ve followed the same format as previous years, limiting myself to novels that I’ve read and indulging in a fantasy list rather than making predictions as to what the judges might come up with. So, in no particular order, here’s my wish list for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction, all with links to my reviews.
Blue Hour Our London Lives Waiting for a Party
Confessions The Artist This is a Love Story
Fewer candidates for me this year than last which probably reflects my own reading. As usual, several of the novels above appear more in hope than expectation but I’d be delighted if any one of these ten snags the judges’ attention. Hopes are particularly high for Our London Lives.
Any titles you’d like to see on their list?
Well, I’ve read three of these, with two in the pipeline. I too have hopes for Our London Lives, but even higher ones for The Artist which may turn out to be my Book of 2025.
Most of these don’t stand a snowball’s chance but those two just might.
Let’s hope.
This is the first year for me since 2013 where I’m really trying to not get involved in shadowing the Women’s Prize, ha. The Prize has just diverged too much from what I’m interested in reading and there’s no point getting cross about it. Looking at a Goodreads list that collates eligible books, it also strikes me how few of them excite me this year – I don’t think it’s been a particularly bad year for women’s writing, so I’m not sure why? Maybe it’s just the mentality of those compiling the lists. I’ve read zero of your picks, unfortunately, but of books I have read, I’d like to see Kate Murray-Browne’s One Girl Began, Evie Wyld’s The Echoes and Helen Phillips’s Hum. Of books I haven’t read, I hope Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count will be a shoo-in. I’m intrigued by Danzy Senna’s Coloured Television as well.
This was once my favourite prize but, like you, I’ve not rushed to read the judges’ choices for some time. I very nearly included the Wyld which I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see listed but it didn’t quite work for me. I’d be amazed if the Adiche didn’t appear! Of the others, I have the Murray-Browne and Senna to read.
I didn’t adore the Wyld either but for me it had enough to it to be a good choice.
That it’s time again for the longlist has snuck up on me. I haven’t read any on your list although Our London Lives is on my wishlist. The best I can come up with from books I’ve read are Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers, The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley and Homeseeking by Karissa Chen. For an oddball, Mania by Lionel Shriver.
This may sound bad but I don’t consciously think about the gender of the author when choosing a book.
I don’t either, Cathy, but I seem to gravitate towards women writers. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bradley listed.
Like Laura, I find that my interest in the Prize is waning. For me it’s been replaced somewhat by the Carol Shields Prize. I’ve only read Liars out of your picks, though I’m also keen on the Mackey, Mulvey and Watts. It would be a nicely provocative choice for them, while still covering the marriage and parenting themes often spotlighted. It’s hardly a groundbreaking selection, but I’d hope to see Intermezzo recognized — it’s Sally Rooney’s best work by a mile.
It’s a shame, isn’t, but I’m interested to find it isn’t just me who’s gone off the boil. I’ve yet to read Intermezzo buy I’m sure it will be in with a chance.
You must be pleased about The Artist!
I am! Most of my wishes were total no-hopers but I thought The Artist had a good chance. Sorry not to see Our London Lives there, though. Several of the others are on my tbr already. What do you think of the selection?
Our London Lives and The Amendments are both high on my to-read list but all your choices are enticing!
Those are two that might make it on to the judges’ list with luck!
Haven’t read any of these yet, but recognise most of them. Bought The Artist for a friend’s birthday last week. Be interesting to see if Intermezzo is in the list. Read it, thought storyline was interesting but found it too long and dense with introspective writing.
I hope your friend enjoys The Artist, Lucy. I’d be surprised if Intermezzo didn’t make it although I’ve yet to read it.
Ah Suzanne I have just read the Women’s Prize longlist. Have not heard of some of the books on it. Only one Irish writer this year. The Artist did make it on list!
Realize I misspelt your name Susan!!
Not to worry – I’ve been called Alfie several times on here!
I’m pleased The Artist made it but would have so loved to see Our London Lives there, too.
Thanks. It’s great to read your choices.
You’re welcome! I have my fingers crossed.
I haven’t much input to give regarding these books, or the prize, but I love exploring your choices. Your fantasy lists are always intriguing to me! (Very interesting reading the comments, too. Seems like the prize has hit a low point.)
Thank you. It’s a shame but I’ve not been nearly as excited as I once was about the Women’s Prize. The Stella seems more interesting although only a few are published here in the UK.
I think I must have been living on another planet because I’ve not heard of any of these books…..
Some of them are a bit under the radar and I suspect won’t stand a chance.
I’m not very familiar with any of these, although I do recall seeing positive reports of Confessions and Our London Lives. Intermezzo will be a given (or a glaring omission)! Tbf, I’m probably more interested in the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction right now, especially given the calibre of last year’s shortlist (Thunderclap, Doppelganger et al.)
I’m not nearly as invested in it as I once was. Most of my wishes are way under the radar but they deserve to be considered.
I’ve only read Liars from your list but would love to see Christine Dwyer-Hickey make the longlist.
I think there maybe a chance for that. It’s about time her writing was recognised.
I love reading your choices! I haven’t read any of them myself, but that’s not surprising. I’m still struggling to catch up with books I coveted and bought last year! But it gives me a chance to read your reviews and learn a little more about them. I know I’m interested in Liars, and the Christine Dwyer-Hickey and also The Artist.
Thank you! All three of those might actually stand a chance, particularly Our London Lives, my favourite.
Everytime I see the copy of Confessions that I have put into my online cart at my favourite online bookseller, I think of you! (Hopefully I can get it before long. OTOH, I suppose if I wait long enough…it’ll be in paperback. hee he)
How lovely! But you’re right, it’ll be in paperback soon enough and not so difficult to read in bed.