Here’s the shortlist for the 2026 Booker Prize.
Today, the Booker Prize Foundation announced the six books on the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist, whittled down from the “Booker’s Dozen” announced in July. The Booker is the UK’s most prestigious literary prize, which celebrates longform fiction written in English
The Booker Prize Foundation has unveiled the six shortlisted books for the 2026 Booker Prize, reducing the initial list of twelve, known as the "Booker’s Dozen," announced in July. The Booker Prize is the UK's premier literary award, honoring longform fiction in English published in the UK and Ireland from October 2025 to September 2026.
Each shortlisted author will be awarded £2,500; the winner will receive a substantial £50,000, along with increased book sales and recognition. Booker Prize Chair Mary Beard revealed the shortlist, stating they were pleased to have showcased the strengths of contemporary English language fiction. The six shortlisted novels range from humorous to disconcerting, from unnerving to subtly poignant, featuring characters from various countries and centuries, crafted by authors spanning a 40-year span, including both emerging and renowned talents.
The shortlisted books are: M. John Harrison's "The End of Everything," Marlon James' "The Disappearers," Luke Kennard's "Black Bag," Rebecca Perry's "May We Feed the King," Elizabeth Strout's "The Things We Never Say," and Douglas Stuart's "John of John." The final six were selected by judges Mary Beard, Raymond Antrobus, Jarvis Cocker, Rebecca Liu, and Patricia Lockwood. The winner will be revealed in a ceremony on November 9.
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