London-based author Sheena Patel’s debut novel is among 16 books by authors from across the world to be longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023, unveiled in London this week to mark International Women’s Day.
‘I’m a Fan’ by Patel – of Kenyan Indian heritage – is the story of an unnamed narrator’s involvement in a seemingly unequal romantic relationship and will compete for the prestigious £30,000 prize, now in its 28th year. The shortlist will be revealed on April 26 and the winner’s prize ceremony is scheduled for June 14.
“With a clear and unforgiving eye, Sheena Patel makes startling connections between power struggles at the heart of human relationships to those in the wider world, offering a devastating critique of social media, access and patriarchal systems,” the judging panel says about Patel’s novel.
‘I’m a Fan’ is longlisted alongside books that span the globe – from Italy, Northern Ireland and Virginia, to an imaginary kingdom ruled by animals, a hallucinatory old cinema and an underwater world populated with extraordinary creatures.
Broadcaster and writer Louise Minchin, who is the chair of the prize’s 2023 judging panel, said: “This year’s longlist is a glorious celebration of the boundless imagination and creative ambition of women writers over the past year.
“Every one of these 16 books is excellent and original in its own individual way; they all offer fresh perspectives on history and humanity, exploring hard truths with empathy, sensitivity, directness, and sometimes infectious humour. There is something here for all readers,” she said.
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Minchin is joined on the judging panel by novelist Rachel Joyce; journalist, podcaster and writer Bella Mackie; novelist and short story writer Irenosen Okojie; and Labour Party MP Tulip Siddiq.
The other books on the longlist include:
‘Black Butterflies’ by Priscilla Morris
‘Children of Paradise’ by Camilla Grudova
‘Cursed Bread’ by Sophie Mackintosh
‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver
‘Fire Rush’ by Jacqueline Crooks
‘Glory’ by NoViolet Bulawayo
‘Homesick’ by Jennifer Croft
‘Memphis’ by Tara M. Stringfellow
‘Pod’ by Laline Paull
‘Stone Blind’ by Natalie Haynes
‘The Bandit Queens’ by Parini Shroff
‘The Dog of the North’ by Elizabeth McKenzie
‘The Marriage Portrait’ by Maggie O’Farrell
‘Trespasses’ by Louise Kennedy
‘Wandering Souls’ by Cecile Pin
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The prize is run by the charity Women’s Prize Trust, which is on a mission to change the world through books by women, opening up pathways into reading and writing for the storytellers and booklovers of tomorrow.
*Info: Women’s Prize for Fiction