Women’s Prize for Fiction 2026 Longlist: Megha Majumdar Among 16 Nominees

The Women’s Prize for Fiction 2026 longlist highlights 16 novels that explore complex human experiences and major global issues. The list was announced on March 4 and features stories that address themes such as climate change, technology, migration and identity.

According to jury chair Julia Gillard, fiction helps readers understand the complexities of modern life. She said the selected books examine the “messy business of being human” while presenting diverse voices and perspectives.

Megha Majumdar’s novel set in future Kolkata

Indian author Megha Majumdar is one of the nominees with her novel A Guardian and a Thief. The story takes place in a future version of Kolkata. In the novel, the city faces extreme drought and flooding.

As a result, the residents struggle to survive in a changing environment. The book has already gained international attention. It was selected for Oprah Book Club and also became a finalist for the National Book Award in the United States.

Other notable books on the longlist

Several well known writers also appear on the list. For example, Katie Kitamura was nominated for Audition. The novel follows a successful actor who reflects on her life, career and family.

Meanwhile, Susan Choi received a nomination for Flashlight. The book tells the story of a Korean family across generations and countries.

British writer Kit de Waal is also among the nominees this year.

Stories from different cultures and histories

The longlist includes a wide range of stories. For instance, Hannah Lillith Assadi wrote Paradiso 17, which follows a Palestinian man searching for a place to call home.

Similarly, Sheena Kalayil explores the final days of the Fall of the Berlin Wall in her novel The Others.

In addition, Virginia Evans presents a thoughtful story about love and forgiveness in The Correspondent.

The list also features Elaine Castillo’s romance novel Moderation and Charlotte McConaghy’s survival story Wild Dark Shore.

Several debut authors featured

In addition to established writers, the longlist highlights several debut authors. These include:

• Lily King with Heart the Lover
• Wendy Erskine with The Benefactors
• Marcia Hutchinson with The Mercy Step
• Addie E. Citchens with Dominion
• Lucy Apps with Gloria Don’t Speak
• Rozie Kelly with Kingfisher
• Alice Evelyn Yang with Beast Slinks Towards Beijing

Prize timeline

The judges will announce the shortlist of six books on April 22. Later, they will reveal the winner on June 11.

The prize also includes a non fiction category. Booker Prize winning author Arundhati Roy appears on that longlist with her memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me.

Last year, the award went to Dutch writer Yael van der Wouden for her debut novel The Safekeep, set after the World War II.

The Women’s Prize for Fiction awards £30,000 each year. It continues to celebrate outstanding storytelling by women writers from around the world.