Elizabeth Strout and Miranda July among finalists for $56K Women's Prize for Fiction
American authors Elizabeth Strout and Miranda July are among the finalists for the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction, alongside four debut novelists exploring the search for freedom in different countries and cultures.
Since 1996, the prize annually celebrates the best novel written in English by a woman. Now in its 30th year, the prize seeks to highlight women writers and create a platform wherein they may be recognized in equal measure to their male peers.
Pulitzer Prize winner Strout's Maine-set mystery novel Tell Me Everything and writer-filmmaker July's All Fours, in which a "semi-famous artist" seeks a new life, are shortlisted for the £30,000 prize (approx. $55,744 Cdn) prize.
The contenders also include Dutch writer Yael van der Wouden's postwar story The Safekeep and German-born poet Aria Aber's novel Good Girl, about a teenager exploring her dual German-Afghan heritage.
Also on the list are Iran-born writer Sanam Mahloudji's intergenerational family saga The Persians and Fundamentally by Britain's Nussaibah Younis, about an academic trying to rehabilitate women caught up with the Islamic State group.
Is Miranda July's novel All Fours changing the conversation around sex and desire in women over 40?
Author Kit de Waal, who is chairing the panel of judges, said that the six books were "classics of the future" that explored "the importance of human connection."
"What is surprising and refreshing is to see so much humour, nuance and lightness employed by these novelists to shed light on challenging concepts," she said.
On the jury, de Waal is joined by novelist Diana Evans, author Bryony Gordon, magazine editor Deborah Joseph and musician Amelia Warner.
The winner will be announced on June 12. In addition to the prize money, this winner will also receive the "Bessie," a bronze statue made by the late British sculptor, Grizel Niven.
Last year's winner was V.V. Ganeshananthan for her novel Brotherless Night.
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Toronto Sun
5 hours ago
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Tony Awards offer many intriguing matchups in a star-studded season
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Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Broadway has had a stuffed season with seemingly something for everyone and now it's time to recognize the best with the Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, set for Sunday night on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Broadway buzz is usually reserved for musicals but this year the plays — powered by A-list talent — have driven the conversation. There's Clooney in 'Good Night, and Good Luck,' Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Othello,' Sarah Snook in a one-woman version of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' and her 'Succession' co-star Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk in 'Glengarry Glen Ross.' 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Global News
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