2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction: The Longlist Revealed! (2026)

The 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction Longlist Unveiled: A Celebration of Diverse Voices

The power of women's voices to drive change is undeniable. And this year's Women's Prize for Non-Fiction longlist is a testament to that. We're thrilled to present 16 extraordinary books, each a beacon of literary excellence and a unique perspective on the world. But here's the twist: these books aren't just about the past; they're about the future, too.

This longlist is a captivating collection, featuring seven debut authors alongside seasoned writers. It's a diverse group, with books spanning politics, memoir, science, history, biography, art, and more. These authors tackle personal stories, societal issues, and global challenges, all while offering a glimpse of hope for the future. And that's what makes this list so special.

But what sets these books apart? Each one is meticulously crafted, blending rigorous research with lyrical prose. They're not just informative; they're engaging, drawing readers into the narrative with their originality and skill. These books are relevant, resonating with the complexities of today's world, and they're essential reading for anyone seeking to understand and navigate the challenges we face.

Thangam Debbonaire, Chair of Judges, emphasizes the importance of these voices, stating, "The voices of these sixteen women are a clarion call to action and understanding." And the Women's Prize Trust couldn't agree more. We believe that women's voices, through non-fiction, are vital in making sense of the world, learning from history, and envisioning a better future.

Claire Shanahan, Executive Director of the Women's Prize Trust, adds, "This longlist is a celebration of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on our understanding of the human experience."

So, without further ado, here's the full longlist, alphabetically by author surname:

1. Daughters of the Bamboo Grove by Barbara Demick (Granta) - A powerful story of China's stolen children and separated twins.
2. The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet (Hutchinson Heinemann, Cornerstone, Penguin Random House UK) - A people's history of Afghanistan.
3. Don't Let It Break You, Honey by Jenny Evans (Robinson, Little, Brown Book Group, Hachette UK) - A memoir about self-preservation and resilience.
4. Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt (Cornerstone Press, Cornerstone, Penguin Random House UK) - Exploring the transformative power of art on health.
5. With the Law on Our Side by Lady Hale (The Bodley Head, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK) - A legal guide to making the law work for everyone.
6. To Be Young, Gifted and Black by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason (Oneworld Publications) - Creativity and race in the modern era.
7. Artists, Siblings, Visionaries by Judith Mackrell (Picador, Pan Macmillan) - The lives and loves of Gwen and Augustus John.
8. Ask Me How It Works by Deepa Paul (Viking, Penguin General, Penguin Random House UK) - A unique take on love in an open marriage.
9. Death of an Ordinary Man by Sarah Perry (Jonathan Cape, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK) - A thought-provoking novel.
10. The Genius of Trees by Harriet Rix (The Bodley Head, Vintage, Penguin Random House UK) - Uncovering the secrets of trees and their impact on the world.
11. Hotel Exile by Jane Rogoyska (Allen Lane, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House UK) - Paris during wartime.
12. Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy (Hamish Hamilton, Penguin General, Penguin Random House UK) - A spiritual journey.
13. Finding Albion by Zakia Sewell (Hodder Press, Hodder & Stoughton, Hachette UK) - Exploring British myth and folklore.
14. To Exist As I Am by Grace Spence Green (Wellcome Collection, Profile Books) - A doctor's notes on recovery and acceptance.
15. Nation of Strangers by Ece Temelkuran (Canongate) - Rebuilding home in the 21st century.
16. Indignity by Lea Ypi (Allen Lane, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House UK) - A life reimagined.

The judging panel, including Roma Agrawal, Nicola Elliott, Nina Stibbe, and Nicola Williams, will now select six books for the shortlist, to be announced on March 25, 2026. The winner of the 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction will be revealed on June 11, 2026, alongside the winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction.

The winner will receive a £30,000 cash prize and a limited-edition sculpture, the 'Charlotte', by Ann Christopher RA FRSS, courtesy of the Charlotte Aitken Trust.

And now, the question: What does this longlist say about the role of women's voices in literature and society? Are these books a reflection of our times, or a roadmap for the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!