This year’s prestigious Women’s Prize for Fiction and Non-Fiction editions have highlighted two strong, deeply moving voices. On one hand, a literary debut is hailed as the year’s discovery. On the other, an intimate narrative filled with humanity.
In both cases, the awards went to books that reshape how we see the world.
The Safekeep – A Queer Debut about Memory and Silence
The Women’s Prize for Fiction was awarded to Yael van der Wouden, a 37-year-old Israeli-Dutch writer, for her psychological debut, The Safekeep. Set in 1960s Netherlands, the novel focuses on the relationship between two women and a long-suppressed wartime trauma.
The jury, chaired by Kit de Waal, praised “a masterful blend of history, suspense, and romantic narrative.” In a powerful speech, the author spoke about her intersex identity and paid tribute to the trans community for helping her gain access to medical care. A bold and important gesture.
The novel was also previously shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize.
The Story of a Heart – A Reportage on the Gift of Life
The Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction went to Rachel Clarke, a British palliative care doctor and bestselling author. Her book, The Story of a Heart, tells the true story of a heart transplant: a young girl who died in an accident and a boy whose life was saved thanks to her donation.
As jury chair Kavita Puri noted, Clarke’s book is “a beautiful and compassionate narrative” that combines medical precision with profound empathy.
Special Award: Bernardine Evaristo
To mark the 30th anniversary of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, Bernardine Evaristo received a one-time award of £100,000 for lifetime achievement and her contribution to amplifying underrepresented voices in British literature.
This symbolic award underscores the mission that has guided the prize from the start: to create space and visibility for voices historically overlooked.
Why It Matters
The Women’s Prize for Fiction was established in 1996, and the Non-Fiction category was launched in 2023 to address the imbalance in recognition of women in narrative non-fiction. Both awards carry prestige, a £30,000 prize, and real influence on the literary landscape.
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