Chair of the judges and award-winning novelist of Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo commented on the list, writing: “We read so many brilliant novels for this year’s prize and had an energetic judging session where we discussed our passions, opinions and preferences. Sadly, we had to let some very deserving books go but we’re confident that we have chosen sixteen standout novels that represent a truly wide and varied range of fiction by women that reflects multiple perspectives, narrative styles and preoccupations. These novels fascinated, moved, inspired and challenged us and we’re excited at announcing their inclusion on the Women’s Prize longlist.” The 2021 judging panel includes chair Bernardine Evaristo; podcaster, author and journalist, Elizabeth Day; TV and radio presenter, journalist and writer, Vick Hope; print columnist and writer, Nesrine Malik; and news presenter and broadcaster, Sarah-Jane Mee. In a video posted on Twitter, the judging panel talk briefly about each of the books on the longlist and why they were chosen. HUGE congratulations to all of our longlisted authors. To discover this year’s sixteen spectacular books, head to our website: https://t.co/P3KKYacc5E pic.twitter.com/h0DNiEPCET — Women’s Prize (@WomensPrize) March 10, 2021
2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist
Because of You by Dawn French Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi Consent by Annabel Lyon Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones Luster by Raven Leilani No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood Nothing But Blue Sky by Kathleen MacMahon Piranesi by Susanna Clarke Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers Summer by Ali Smith The Golden Rule by Amanda Craig The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller Check out last year’s nominees and winner: 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction Shortlist 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction Winner
