Previous winners Douglas Stuart and Marlon James lead Booker prize longlist
The 2026 Booker Prize longlist has been announced, featuring 13 novels including works by previous winners Douglas Stuart and Marlon James. Chaired by Mary Beard, the panel selected a diverse group of authors, including ten first-time nominees and three debut novelists.
Why it matters
The Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards globally, significantly influencing book sales and the trajectory of contemporary literature.
Range of tastes and openness of mind ... this year’s Booker prize longlist. Photograph: Booker Prize Foundation Range of tastes and openness of mind ... this year’s Booker prize longlist. Photograph: Booker Prize Foundation Books Previous winners Douglas Stuart and Marlon James lead Booker prize longlist Chair of judges Mary Beard said each of the 13 books in contention for the £50,000 award ‘takes the reader to new places’
Comment: This Booker longlist may have two previous winners, but it’s keen to experiment
Prefer the Guardian on Google Douglas Stuart and Marlon James, two previous winners of the Booker, have been named on this year’s longlist, alongside three-time nominee Elizabeth Strout, in a collection that “rewards risk”.
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