Goldsmiths Prize names six novels on its 2026 shortlist

Goldsmiths has shortlisted six formally adventurous novels for its £10,000 prize, including first novels by Polly Barton and Aea Varfis-van Warmelo.

Goldsmiths University announced the six-book shortlist for its 2026 Goldsmiths Prize on September 30. The £10,000 award recognises fiction that tests or extends the novel form; this year’s list brings together books by Polly Barton, China Miéville, Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Keith Ridgway, Aea Varfis-van Warmelo and Missouri

Williams. The shortlisted titles are What Am I, a Deer? (Fitzcarraldo Editions), The Rouse (Picador), Said the Dead (Faber), Dooneen (Fitzcarraldo Editions), Attention Seeking Behaviour (Peninsula Press) and The Vivisectors (4th Estate). Goldsmiths says the list includes a debut novel and a debut book, both by writers

previously published in other genres. The prize describes the books as taking new approaches to the novel, with subjects ranging from reinvention and grief to the uncanny, truth and lies. The winner is due to be announced on November 4. The winner will be announced on November 4. Official source. Headline image:

Goldsmiths, University of London; official 2026 shortlist photograph.. Official or creator promotional artwork.

Open the interactive version on https://mythscribe.cloud/blog/goldsmiths-prize-2026-shortlist-september-30.