Since 1996, the Women's Prize for Fiction has recognized 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 color) 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.
The 2022 winner was Ruth Ozeki with The Book of Form and Emptiness. This novel is about taking refuge in books - the main character, Benny, finds sanctuary in a library where he meets a homeless poet and a mesmerizing young performance artist, and his life takes a new direction.
Women's Prize for Fiction winners
