The 2025 Booker Prize longlist, unveiled on July 29, marks a celebration of global literature and a turning point for one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards. Featuring thirteen novels chosen from a pool of 153 submissions, the selection showcases an extraordinary blend of narrative voices, thematic breadth, and geographic reach. The judging panel, chaired by acclaimed Irish novelist Roddy Doyle, praised the list as “a wonderful heap” of storytelling—an eclectic mix that reflects the dynamic evolution of the contemporary novel.
This year’s longlist, notable for its diversity and inclusiveness, represents authors from nine different nationalities spanning four continents. The scope of the list highlights the Booker Prize’s increasing emphasis on internationalism, moving beyond its historic ties to the Commonwealth to embrace global perspectives. The panel, which also includes writer Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, actor and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, author Chris Power, and novelist Kiley Reid, emphasized their desire to find works that move, challenge, and surprise readers.
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A major highlight of this year’s longlist is the return of Kiran Desai, winner of the 2006 Booker Prize, with her much-anticipated new novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny. This sweeping and emotionally resonant story, spanning continents and generations, has been hailed as one of the most compelling entries on the list. Desai’s return adds a layer of literary gravitas, bridging past Booker legacies with current innovations in narrative form and structure.
Equally significant is the number of debut and first-time nominees—nine of the thirteen authors are new to the Booker spotlight. Among them is Maria Reva, whose novel Endling explores life in wartime Ukraine through fragmented storytelling and sharp satire. Another standout is Ledia Xhoga’s Misinterpretation, which provides a poignant and introspective exploration of the immigrant experience. These debut novels reflect the judges’ appetite for fresh perspectives and their commitment to elevating underrepresented voices.
British novelist David Szalay, a perennial critic favorite, is included for his latest work Flesh, an unflinching examination of contemporary masculinity and emotional disconnection. Critics have praised the novel’s subtlety and precision, calling it one of the most psychologically astute entries of the year. Also among the longlisted are Claire Adam with Love Forms, a sensitive portrayal of adoption and personal identity, and Tash Aw with The South, a richly textured exploration of generational tensions and political upheaval.
Jonathan Buckley’s inclusion for One Boat has drawn particular attention, marking the first time a book from Fitzcarraldo Editions—a small but increasingly influential independent publisher—has made the Booker longlist. The novel’s quiet intensity and sparse prose style offer a striking contrast to some of the list’s more expansive narratives. Meanwhile, Andrew Miller’s The Land in Winter, set during Britain’s historic Big Freeze, reflects a contemplative turn in contemporary fiction, exploring isolation, memory, and endurance.
In total, the longlist reflects a literary landscape in transition. Rather than focusing on spectacle or sensationalism, many of this year’s titles emphasize inner lives, emotional nuance, and cultural complexity. This quieter, more introspective tone stands in contrast to recent years that favored bold stylistic experimentation or political provocation. The 2025 selection instead offers readers a space for contemplation, empathy, and renewed engagement with the human condition.
The Booker Prize Foundation has confirmed that each of the longlisted authors will receive £2,500 and a special edition of their book following the shortlist announcement. The shortlist of six novels is set to be revealed on September 23, with the winner to be announced at a ceremony in London on November 10. The winning author will receive £50,000, along with international recognition and a significant boost in global readership.
For the literary community, the 2025 longlist is being hailed as a moment of alignment between tradition and innovation. It honors the Booker’s legacy of recognizing excellence while also expanding its reach to new voices and forms. The judges’ selections suggest a commitment to literature as both a reflection of and a response to the complexities of today’s world. By embracing a wide range of narratives—from global conflicts and diasporic experiences to intimate explorations of identity—the list affirms fiction’s power to transcend boundaries and illuminate the universal through the particular.
As readers, publishers, and critics turn their attention to these thirteen titles in the months leading up to the final decision, the longlist stands as a testament to the vibrancy of contemporary literature. It is a reminder that even in an era of rapid change and digital distraction, the novel remains a vital force for storytelling, connection, and cultural dialogue.
