South African-Australian novelist, Nobel laureate, translator
The Booker Prize has announced its longlist of 13 novels for 2026, featuring veterans and debut authors from seven countries. Mary Beard chairs a panel that has prioritised risk-taking, with titles spanning Jamaica, Scotland, Mexico, Turkey, and the United States. The list aims to diversify the canon and spark debate ahead of the November winner reveal.
The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist has been revealed, featuring six novels from Jamaica to Scotland, including Marlon James, Elizabeth Strout, Rebecca Perry and Douglas Stuart. Mary Beard chairs the judging panel; the winner will be announced in London on Nov. 9.