Miranda July, Sarah Manguso Among 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Shortlist (Exclusive)

Miranda July, Sarah Manguso Among 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Shortlist

The shortlist for the 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction has been unveiled. This prestigious literary award honours novels, short story collections, and graphic novels penned by women and non-binary authors from the United States and Canada. The exclusive reveal of the shortlist was made by PEOPLE magazine.

Among the finalists are Dominique Fortier’s “Pale Shadows,” translated by Rhonda Mullins, Miranda July’s “All Fours,” Canisia Lubrin’s “Code Noir,” Sarah Manguso’s “Liars,” and Aube Rey Lescure’s “River East, River West.”

The jury chair Diana Abu-Jaber, in collaboration with writers Norma Dunning, Kim Fu, Tessa McWatt, and Jeanne Thornton, handpicked this year’s five outstanding titles. The winner of the prize will be awarded $150,000 U.S. dollars and a stay at the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland. Runners-up will each receive $12,500 and be invited to a group retreat at the Leighton Artist Studios at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta.

The prize money for translated literary works, if selected, will be divided between the author and the translator. Last year’s prize was clinched by V.V. Ganeshananthan for her novel “Brotherless Night.” Past winners include renowned authors like Eleanor Catton, Fatimah Asghar, and Daphne Palasai Andreades.

The official announcement of the prize winner is scheduled for May 1 during a ceremony in Chicago. Alexandra Skoczylas, CEO of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction Foundation, congratulated the authors and highlighted the importance of amplifying the voices of women and non-binary writers in literary fiction.

The foundation expressed pride in supporting these talented authors at a time when their mission is more crucial than ever. As a platform that celebrates both celebrity news and compelling human interest stories, PEOPLE magazine continues to champion diversity and inclusivity in the arts.

Authors Miranda July and Rachel Kushner are also included in the longlist of nominees for the Carol Shields 2025 Prize. This recognition sheds light on the exceptional contributions of women and non-binary individuals to the literary landscape.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Alexandra Skoczylas conveyed her congratulations to the nominees, underscoring their exceptional talent and the significant impact of their work in the literary world. The foundation’s commitment to promoting diversity and gender equality in literature remains steadfast.

As the anticipation builds for the prize announcement, the literary community eagerly awaits the recognition of the exceptional talent represented by the shortlisted authors. The upcoming ceremony promises to be a celebration of creativity, originality, and the power of storytelling.

The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction continues to be a beacon of excellence, honouring the remarkable voices shaping the literary world. With each edition, the prize recognises and applauds the ingenuity and vision of women and non-binary authors in North America.