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Women’s Fiction Prize Shortlist Features Lily King, Independent Titles

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Women’s Prize for Fiction announced a shortlist on April 22, 2026, including Lily King’s *Heart the Lover*.
Judges chair Julia Gillard said the shortlisted novels examine life’s challenges while celebrating moments of joy.
Four of the titles are from independent publishers, drawn from a longlist of 16 books announced in early March.
The prize, founded in 1996, offers a £30,000 award and a statuette designed by the late artist Grizel Niven.

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Story summary

The Women’s Prize for Fiction announced a shortlist on April 22, 2026, including Lily King’s *Heart the Lover*.
Judges chair Julia Gillard said the shortlisted novels examine life’s challenges while celebrating moments of joy.
Four of the titles are from independent publishers, drawn from a longlist of 16 books announced in early March.
The prize, founded in 1996, offers a £30,000 award and a statuette designed by the late artist Grizel Niven.