Meet the six novels chasing the ‘Booker’
‘This is writing at its best. There’s plenty to enjoy, some blissful escapism and prose to die for’
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‘This is writing at its best. There’s plenty to enjoy, some blissful escapism and prose to die for’
‘THE Disappearers’ by Marlon James.
‘MAY We Feed the King’ by Rebecca Perry.
‘THE Disappearers’ by Marlon James.
‘THE Things We Never Say’ by Elizabeth Strout black.
Six books remain in contention for one of literature’s most prestigious honors after the Booker Prize unveiled its 2026 shortlist.
Making the cut are The End of Everything by M. John Harrison, The Disappearers by Marlon James, Black Bag by Luke Kennard, May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout and John of John by Douglas Stuart.
Announcing the shortlist, chair of judges Mary Beard praised the selection for offering both engrossing storytelling and fresh perspectives.
“This is writing at its best. There’s plenty to enjoy, some blissful escapism and prose to die for… But there is also plenty here to change the way we see the world, to surprise us and to challenge our certainties,” she said.
The six shortlisted titles span different genres and storytelling styles:
The End of Everything by M. John Harrison explores memory, mortality and the fragility of civilization through the author’s signature speculative style. The novel blends philosophical reflection with an unsettling vision of a world on the brink of collapse.
The Disappearers by Marlon James follows lives shaped by absence, violence and buried histories. Mixing mystery with the author’s rich, layered storytelling, the novel examines identity, power and the lasting impact of the past.
Black Bag by Luke Kennard is a darkly comic novel that blurs the line between reality and imagination. Through sharp wit and psychological tension, it explores obsession, creativity and the stories people tell themselves.
May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry imagines a world where ritual, power and survival are deeply intertwined. The novel uses speculative fiction to examine class, loyalty and the cost of belonging.
The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout is an intimate portrait of family, friendship and the quiet emotions that shape everyday life. With her trademark compassion, Strout explores the silences that define relationships and the search for human connection.
John of John by Douglas Stuart tells the story of a young man navigating identity, family expectations and hardship. Set against a vividly drawn social landscape, the novel continues Stuart’s exploration of resilience, love and the complexities of working-class life.
The winner of the 2026 Booker Prize will be announced at a ceremony later this year.
