The 2025 Booker Prize shortlist showcases a return to traditional storytelling, with six notable titles from experienced authors aged between 46 and 64. This shift is noteworthy, reflecting a preference for narrative depth and maturity in a field previously criticized for its experimental tendencies, reports BritPanorama.
Marked by substantial page counts, this year’s selections include Susan Choi’s Flashlight nearing 500 pages and Kiran Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny approaching 700, contrasting with the shorter works from previous years. The books, however, offer immersive experiences that invite readers to engage deeply with the narratives.
The judging panel, chaired by Roddy Doyle and including Kiley Reid, Ayobami Adebayo, Chris Power, and Sarah Jessica Parker, emphasizes craftsmanship over unconventionality. Most of the shortlisted works explore themes of family, time, and the impacts of history, with only Katie Kitamura’s Audition deviating from conventional narrative form.
Ultimately, this shortlist is characterized by its confident selection of novels that blend entertainment with substantial thematic content, with varied opinions on which title might take the prize. Here’s an overview of each of the six shortlisted books.
Flesh by David Szalay
Set in a quiet Hungarian town, Flesh tracks 15-year-old István as he entangles with a married neighbour. This relationship triggers a series of consequential life events that propel him through the years amid themes of masculinity, wealth, and family. Szalay’s spare prose conveys profound meaning through subtlety, making this a powerful contender for the prize.
Jonathan Cape, £18.99
The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits
In The Rest of Our Lives, Tom Layward retrospects his decision to leave his wife after dropping their youngest child at college. His ensuing road trip serves as a lens into his past and relationships, characterized by dry wit and a thoughtful examination of midlife crises. While accessible and engaging, it may not carry the complexity some judges prefer.
Faber, £9.99
Audition by Katie Kitamura
Audition presents an experimental narrative split into two conflicting parts, questioning themes of motherhood and identity. Although it offers insightful observations, its self-consciously intellectual approach may alienate some readers, ranking it lower among the shortlist contenders.
Fern Press, £18.99
Flashlight by Susan Choi
Choi’s Flashlight opens with the mysterious disappearance of a father, leading to a complex exploration of family dynamics and memory. The intricately woven narrative spans across time and cultures, presenting a compelling reading experience marked by suspense and emotional depth. It emerges as a strong frontrunner for the prize.
Jonathan Cape, £20
The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller
Set in December 1962, Miller’s The Land in Winter depicts the lives of two couples amidst an unfolding blizzard, gradually revealing layers of societal change and personal conflict. This meticulously crafted novel captures the essence of a pivotal moment in British history and is a compelling candidate for the award.
Sceptre, £10.99
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny explores identity and aspiration through the intertwined lives of its protagonists. This sprawling narrative touch on themes of family and cultural heritage, reflecting a Dickensian breadth. Its patient unfolding may appeal to some judges aiming for literary ambition.
Hamish Hamilton, £25
The Booker Prize will be awarded on Monday night
