Six books have made it to the finalists for the 2026 International Booker Prize, a prestigious award for fiction originally written in a language other than English. This award highlights translated works published in the U.K. and Ireland.
Three of the shortlisted novels delve into significant historical events: Japan’s rule in Taiwan during the 1930s, Nazi Germany, and the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Natasha Brown, chair of the judging panel, describes these narratives as “reverberating with history.” She notes that despite the themes of heartbreak and isolation, these stories also bring hope and deep humanity.
This year’s list notably showcases female authors and translators, with five women among the authors and four among the translators. The authors hail from diverse backgrounds—Taiwan’s Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, for example, is known for writing manga and video games, while Bulgaria’s Rene Karabash is a seasoned actor and author.
The winner of the prize, worth £50,000 (around $66,000), will be announced on May 19. Here are the finalists:
The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran by Shida Bazyar, translated by Ruth Martin. This multigenerational story spans from the 1979 Iranian Revolution to the Green Revolution in 2009. It explores the struggles of an Iranian family adjusting to life in West Germany, highlighting the enduring hope amidst tyranny.
She Who Remains by Rene Karabash, translated by Izidora Angel. This tale follows Bekja, a young woman in rural Albania, who escapes an arranged marriage and chooses to live as a man. The book intricately examines gender roles in contemporary Albanian society.
The Director by Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Ross Benjamin. This fictional account of filmmaker G.W. Pabst grapples with the pressures of creating propaganda in Nazi Germany after his return to Austria.
On Earth As It Is Beneath by Ana Paula Maia, translated by Padma Viswanathan. A gripping horror novella, it’s set in a penal colony where inmates face a deadly hunt under a full moon.
The Witch by Marie NDiaye, translated by Jordan Stump. Originally published in 1996, this novel follows Lucie, who passes on her limited magical abilities to her daughters amid family dynamics.
Taiwan Travelogue by Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, translated by Lin King. This award-winning novel depicts a young Japanese novelist’s journey through Taiwan and examines how power shapes relationships.
The panel of judges for this year includes Natasha Brown, Marcus du Sautoy, Sophie Hughes, Troy Onyango, and Nilanjana S. Roy.
As we await the announcement, readers are engaging with these works, sharing their thoughts on social media. The diverse narratives presented not only reflect personal stories but also the broader socio-political contexts of their settings. This diversity makes the shortlist particularly compelling, promising readers an enlightening literary experience.
