The Booker Prize has officially revealed its 2026 longlist, featuring 13 novels that showcase an impressive range of storytelling, from literary fiction and psychological thrillers to dystopian science fiction and intimate family dramas.
Among this year’s nominees are two previous Booker Prize winners, Douglas Stuart and Marlon James, while acclaimed American novelist Elizabeth Strout earns her third career nomination. The longlist also introduces three debut novelists, highlighting emerging voices in contemporary literature.
Mary Beard, chair of the 2026 judging panel, praised the selected works for their ability to transport readers, challenge perspectives, and demonstrate the enduring power of fiction.
Previous Winners Return to the Spotlight
Douglas Stuart, who won the Booker Prize in 2020 for Shuggie Bain, returns with John of John. Marlon James, the 2015 winner for A Brief History of Seven Killings, is recognized this year for The Disappearers.
Elizabeth Strout, already a two-time Booker finalist, joins the competition once again with The Things We Never Say, reinforcing her reputation as one of today’s leading literary voices.
The inclusion of several first-time authors reflects the prize’s ongoing commitment to recognizing both established and emerging talent.
The Complete 2026 Booker Prize Longlist
The thirteen books selected for the 2026 Booker Prize are:
- The Shadow of the Object — Chloe Aridjis
- Switzy — Emma Cline
- Helen of Nowhere — Makenna Goodman
- The End of Everything — M. John Harrison
- The Disappearers — Marlon James
- Black Bag — Luke Kennard
- The Renovation — Kenan Orhan
- May We Feed the King — Rebecca Perry
- The Palm House — Gwendoline Riley
- The Things We Never Say — Elizabeth Strout
- John of John — Douglas Stuart
- All Them Dogs — Djamel White
- The Vivisectors — Missouri Williams
The Road to the Booker Prize 2026 Winner
The Booker Prize honors the best novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland during the eligibility period.
The six shortlisted finalists will each receive £2,500, while the overall winner will be awarded £50,000. The 2026 Booker Prize winner will be announced during an official ceremony in London on November 9.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards, the Booker Prize continues to shape the international publishing landscape by recognizing outstanding fiction and introducing readers to exceptional voices from around the globe.
