We are delighted to introduce our Book Clubs, each selected to read and review one of the six books shortlisted for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction.
These groups may be spread far and wide, with members from across the UK, but they are united by their shared love of reading. For these book lovers, their clubs are not only places to discuss their latest reads, but also vital support networks during difficult times, and spaces for genuine friendship, fun and solidarity.
Every year, the Women’s Prize Trust issues an open call to book clubs across the UK to shadow the Women’s Prizes for Fiction and Non-Fiction, read a selected shortlisted title, and share their thoughts with the Chair of Judges. Kicking things off are our six Fiction Book Clubs — read on to learn more about them and the shortlisted books they have been selected to read.
Blacklisted Book Club
‘Blacklisted Book Club is a literary platform founded by Temi Sogbuyi and co-founder Dami Turner, dedicated to championing Black and African stories through community, conversation, and culture. Known for immersive author events that bring readers into genuine dialogue with writers and their work, the club has built a reputation for creating spaces where literature feels alive. Each event is designed to spark thought, deepen connection, and celebrate the full range of Black storytelling. With a growing and passionate community, Blacklisted Book Club is placing powerful, underrepresented voices firmly at the centre of the literary landscape, where they belong.’
Blacklisted Book Club are reading Dominion by Addie E. Citchens
Dead Sea Book Club
‘Dead Sea Book Club formed in 2022 from a yoga studio community with a shared love of reading. With no book clubs locally, the studio owner Beth founded this welcoming, inclusive club, which has members ranging from their early 20s to their 70s! Located by the sea in rural Pembrokeshire, the club meets monthly at a local inn (the landlady is a member too!). Since 2025, Nicola, a local bookshop owner, has taken over running the group, building on its strong foundations. We read varied range of fiction; our ethos being to ‘step outside our comfort zones’. We are honoured and excited to bring a Welsh voice to the Women’s Prize process.’
Dead Sea Book Club are reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The first rule of book club is: you do not talk about book club
‘We are a group of safeguarding nurses and social workers who first worked together in a children’s hospital. Our book club started during the pandemic, when it gave us a way to stay connected through a difficult, isolating time. We meet to talk about a chosen book, sharing thoughts and reflections, but it’s also become a valued social space where we catch up on life and swap recommendations for books, theatre and television. Over time, people have moved on or retired and we are now spread across the UK and Northern Ireland, but the group has endured, turning professional relationships into lasting friendships through a shared love of reading.’
The first rule of book club is: you do not talk about book club are reading Heart the Lover by Lily King
The Small City Bookshop Tuesday Book Club
‘We are a group of 14 avid readers at The Small City Bookshop in Bristol. We’ve met every month since October 2024. Most of us had never been part of a book club before, and many joined because we are passionate about reading and didn’t have many friends to talk with about books. We’re from different backgrounds and professions and are open to anything – past books span memoir to science fiction to translated fiction – and we always come away from meetings having a deeper appreciation of what we’ve read, despite initial impressions. Our guiding principle is to have fun sharing an enriching hobby.’
The Small City Bookshop Tuesday Book Club are reading Flashlight by Susan Choi
Read Between the Limes
‘We began as four Brazilian women, brought together by a love of books and the quiet understanding of building lives far from home. Between pages, we found connection, and a sense of belonging. Our circle has grown so much that finding space for us is now its own challenge, a reflection of how many stories we hold together. We read in Portuguese and English, moving between languages as we do cultures, preserving identity while embracing change. More than a book club, we are a community reading not just to escape, but to understand, and to connect with ourselves and the world.’
Read Between the Limes are reading The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson
Queer Girls’ Book Club
‘The Queer Girls’ Book Club is a free, London-based, group for 18+ queer women, trans and nonbinary bookworms. Every month for three years we have gathered to discuss contemporary and historically significant queer literature that reflects our experiences. We respectfully exchange ideas, laugh, agree and disagree, praise, dissect and delve into each month’s book. This is a group for aficionados, first-timers, academics, dabblers. All are welcome. Come for the excellent books and stay for the superior company.’
Queer Girls’ Book Club are reading Kingfisher by Rozie Kelly
