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Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist Spans Catastrophe, History and Hidden Lives
Six books have been chosen for the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist.
They were selected from a longer list of 13 books.
The stories take place in many different times and places.
One book follows a scavenger after a mysterious disaster.
Another follows gay men in Jamaica after a violent attack.
Other novels explore a strange psychology experiment, a medieval king and a woman rebuilding palace rooms.
Two books focus on family secrets and difficult relationships.
The winner will be announced in London on November 9, 2026.
The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist features six novels selected from an original longlist of 13.
The shortlisted books range from post-apocalyptic Kent and medieval courts to Jamaica, Massachusetts and the Outer Hebrides.
Marlon James and Douglas Stuart are former Booker winners included on this year’s shortlist.
Elizabeth Strout receives her third Booker nomination, while Rebecca Perry is shortlisted for her debut novel.
The winner will be announced on November 9, 2026, at London’s Old Billingsgate.
- Who
- The six shortlisted novelists are M John Harrison, Marlon James, Luke Kennard, Rebecca Perry, Elizabeth Strout and Douglas Stuart; the judging panel is chaired by Mary Beard.
- What
- The Booker Prize judges selected a six-novel shortlist for the 2026 prize.
- Where
- The announcement ceremony will take place at London’s Old Billingsgate; the shortlisted novels are set in places including Jamaica, coastal Massachusetts, Kent and the Isle of Harris.
- When
- The winner will be announced on November 9, 2026.
- Why
- The judges winnowed a longlist of 13 books to identify the finalists for the Booker Prize.
Key facts
- Shortlist size
- Six novels
- Original longlist
- 13 books
- Judging chair
- Classicist Mary Beard
- Former winners shortlisted
- Marlon James and Douglas Stuart
- Third nomination
- Elizabeth Strout
- Debut novelist
- Rebecca Perry
- Winner announcement
- November 9, 2026, at London’s Old Billingsgate
Quotes
Douglas Stuart
Shortlisted Scottish novelist and former Booker Prize winner
“the bond between a father and son despite the deep silence between them”
indianexpress.com
“In Jamaica we trust rumours more than facts.”
indianexpress.com
Luke Kennard
Shortlisted British novelist and poet
“more interested in the person playing black bag than the results of the study”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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