The Women's Prize for Fiction 2023

 

The Women’s Prize for Fiction is widely recognised as a champion of women’s writing on the global stage. The Prize, now in its 28th year, is awarded annually for the best full-length novel of the year written in English and published in the UK. The winner receives £30,000, anonymously endowed, along with a limited-edition bronze statuette known as the ‘Bessie’, created and donated by the artist Grizel Niven.

The winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023 is Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead, making Kingsolver the first double winner for the Prize in its 28-year history, after her win with The Lacuna in 2010.

This year’s shortlist – described as “ambitious and hard-hitting” by chair of judges Louise Minchin – featured three debut authors alongside former winners Kingsolver and O’Farrell (Hamnet, 2020).

The winner:

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Demon Copperhead

by Barbara Kingsolver

4.6 out of 5 stars 54,552

Chair of judges and author and journalist Louise Minchin said:

“Barbara Kingsolver has written a towering, deeply powerful and significant book. In a year of outstanding fiction by women, we made a unanimous decision on Demon Copperhead as our winner. Brilliant and visceral, it is storytelling by an author at the top of her game. We were all deeply moved by Demon, his gentle optimism, resilience and determination despite everything being set against him.

An exposé of modern America, its opioid crisis and the detrimental treatment of deprived and maligned communities, Demon Copperhead tackles universal themes – from addiction and poverty, to family, love, and the power of friendship and art. It packs a triumphant emotional punch, and is a novel that will withstand the test of time.”

The remaining shortlisted titles for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023:

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Black Butterflies

by Priscilla Morris

4.6 out of 5 stars 439

Priscilla Morris' poignant novel delves into the Siege of Sarajevo by capturing the perspective of a woman who endures the harrowing events. Through the lens of a painter and teacher, Zora is forced to rebuild herself, over and over. The book intertwines the haunting realities of war with themes of hope, resilience, and the healing power of art.

 

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Trespasses

by Louise Kennedy

4.3 out of 5 stars 7,635

Trespasses presents a searing portrayal of escalating violence and divided allegiances in 1970's Belfast. Set against a backdrop of societal disintegration, the novel follows Cushla’s story as she is forced to tread lines she never thought she would cross.

 

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The Marriage Portrait

by Maggie O'Farrell

4.4 out of 5 stars 18,420

The Marriage Portrait is a dazzling evocation of the Italian Renaissance in all its beauty and brutality.

This fascinating tale follows the journey of Cosimo de' Medici's third daughter as she navigates the intricacies of the enigmatic Florentine court and adjusts to her mysterious new husband.

 

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Pod

by Laline Paull

4.1 out of 5 stars 199

Pod, the latest work from the bestselling author of The Bees (shortlisted for the Prize in 2015), is a strikingly unique narrative which explores the true meaning of family, belonging and sacrifice while seamlessly blending in themes of environmental disaster.

 

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Fire Rush

by Jacqueline Crooks

4.2 out of 5 stars 169

Jacqueline Crooks’ debut novel is a mesmerising and immersive experience. This triumphant work delves into a vast narrative surrounding theme of love, freedom, the raving culture, and the profound effects of police violence on Black communities. The book leaves a lasting impact, resonating deeply with readers.