Since 1996, the Women's Prize for Fiction has recognised and celebrated the best fiction by women writers around the world. Bestselling novelist and playwright Kate Mosse founded the UK-based award to champion women in the male-dominated awards scene. Despite writing 60% of books published, by 1992 only 10% of authors shortlisted for the Booker Prize were women.
While representation of women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of colour) authors on award lists has improved, the Women's Prize for Fiction continues to play a crucial role in shining a spotlight on outstanding writers. Past winners include Zadie Smith, Carol Shields, Ali Smith, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Barbara Kingsolver has won the 2023 Women's Prize for Fiction for Demon Copperhead, making her the first double winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction in its 28 year history. An exposé of modern America, Demon Copperhead tackles universal themes, from addiction, poverty, family, love and the power of art and friendship.
Women's Prize for Fiction winners
