The International Booker Prize 2025 longlist has been announced, and it is already sparking excitement among readers, authors, and translators alike. With a rich tapestry of narratives that span continents, languages, and cultures, this year’s longlist is a testament to the diversity and universality of human experience. The selection, as described by Max Porter, Chair of Judges, is designed to “exhilarate and engage a worldwide community of readers.” In a world where stories often bridge cultural divides, the prize offers an opportunity to explore voices that have, until now, been less familiar to anglophone audiences, along with celebrated writers making their debut on this prestigious list.
At the heart of this year’s longlist is a commitment to inclusivity. As Porter emphasizes, “Translated fiction is not an elite or rarefied cultural space requiring expert knowledge; it is the exact opposite. It is stories of every conceivable kind from everywhere, for everyone.” This sentiment underlines the prize’s aim to democratize literature by embracing narratives that are at once audacious, intimate, and thought-provoking.
A Kaleidoscope of Narratives
The longlist comprises 13 titles, each offering a unique glimpse into the human condition. These books range from audacious accounts of displacement and disability to semi-autobiography and speculative fiction. Readers will find narratives that explore the weight of family history, the spectre of human extinction, and even the everyday struggles of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Whether through the lens of personal trauma, political upheaval, or fantastical imagination, each work resonates with a deep understanding of what it means to be human.
One of the standout titles is The Book of Disappearance by Ibtisam Azem, translated from Arabic by Sinan Antoon (read our article). The novel poses a chilling hypothetical question: what would happen if all the Palestinians in Israel suddenly vanished? By diving into this provocative premise, Azem not only challenges readers’ perceptions of identity and belonging but also underscores the power of speculative fiction to mirror real-world complexities.
Equally compelling is On the calculation of volume I by Solvej Balle, translated from Danish by Barbara J. Haveland (read our article). The narrative follows a woman trapped in a time loop, forever reliving the 18th of November. Originally self-published in Denmark, the book has since garnered international acclaim, with translation rights sold in over 20 countries. Its imaginative approach to time and memory invites readers to reconsider the linearity of experience.
The longlist also includes titles like There’s a monster behind the door by Gaëlle Bélem (Bullaun Press), a novel set in the 1980s on Réunion, where a spirited young girl challenges the constraints imposed by her jaded parents (read our article). In Solenoid by Mircea Cărtărescu, translated from Romanian by Sean Cotter, the reader is taken on a journey through history, philosophy, and mathematics. Notably, this 627-page epic was written in one continuous draft without revisions, a remarkable feat that underscores its creative audacity.
Exploring Themes of Survival and Transformation
Many of the longlisted works grapple with themes of survival—be it the struggle against personal demons, societal marginalisation, or even the physical act of surviving against impossible odds. Reservoir bitches by Dahlia de la Cerda, for example, presents a collection of short stories that follow 13 unforgettable Mexican women. Their narratives, ranging from the daughter of a cartel boss to a victim of transfemicide, offer raw insights into resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
On the shorter end of the spectrum is Hunchback by Saou Ichikawa, translated from Japanese by Polly Barton. At just 97 pages, this novel confronts themes of sexual desire and disability with unflinching honesty. The protagonist, who is born with a congenital muscle disorder and relies on an electric wheelchair, is a powerful symbol of both vulnerability and strength. Its compact form belies the depth of emotion and insight that has already earned it a reputation as one of Japan’s most important novels of the 21st century.
In Small boat by Vincent Delecroix, translated from French by Helen Stevenson, the narrative takes on a contemporary crisis. Set against the backdrop of a harrowing migrant crossing of the English Channel in 2021, the novel recounts the tragic deaths of 27 migrants, told from the perspective of a French woman who received but ultimately rejected their desperate calls for help. This work is a stark reminder of the human cost of migration and the often-overlooked stories of those caught in its wake.
A Diverse Cast of Voices
The International Booker Prize has always been a platform for elevating diverse voices, and this year is no exception. With 10 original languages represented—including Arabic, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Romanian, and Spanish—the longlist showcases the breadth of literary talent from around the globe. Notably, Heart lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, becomes the first book on the prize nominated in a language spoken by some 38 million people in southern India.
The longlist also marks the debut appearance of several authors on this prestigious platform. While none of this year’s nominated authors have previously appeared on the longlist, many are far from unknown in their native countries. For instance, Astrid Roemer, whose On a woman’s madness—first published in Dutch in 1982—is hailed as a classic of queer literature, is making a significant return. At 77, Roemer becomes the oldest writer to be longlisted, underscoring the timeless nature of her work.
This year also celebrates the contributions of translators, who play a crucial role in bringing these stories to a global audience. Sophie Hughes, translator of Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico, makes history with her fifth nomination, becoming the translator with the most International Booker Prize nominations to date. Similarly, Helen Stevenson and Julia Sanches, longlisted for their translations of Small boat and Reservoir bitches respectively, have proven that the art of translation is indispensable in the modern literary landscape.
Independent Publishers and a Vibrant Literary Community
Another notable aspect of the International Booker Prize 2025 longlist is its celebration of independent publishers. Twelve out of the 13 longlisted books come from 11 independent publishing houses, a record number that highlights the crucial role these publishers play in supporting innovative and diverse literary voices. Publishers such as Pushkin Press, Tilted Axis, Fitzcarraldo, Faber, and Granta have all previously won the prize and continue to nurture groundbreaking literature.
For the first time, two new publishers have been represented: Small Axes, part of Leeds-based Hope Road, and Ireland’s Bullaun Press. Their inclusion signals a broader trend in the publishing industry—one that values risk-taking and the discovery of new voices, ensuring that the world of translated fiction remains vibrant and dynamic.
A Call to Readers
The International Booker Prize longlist is an invitation to explore the vast landscape of human experience. From tales of heartache and resilience to narratives that push the boundaries of literary form, these 13 titles challenge us to confront our assumptions, to empathise with voices from distant lands, and to celebrate the myriad ways in which literature can transform our understanding of the world.
As readers prepare to delve into these diverse narratives, one question lingers: which book will capture your imagination first? With such a broad spectrum of genres and themes—from speculative fiction to raw, personal memoirs—there is something here for everyone. Whether you are drawn to the familiar rhythms of everyday life or to the strange, thought-provoking realms of dystopia and fantasy, the International Booker Prize 2025 longlist promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of global storytelling.
