Books have the incredible power to bridge the gap between distant places and our imaginations. No matter how fresh or familiar, a book can always take you somewhere new, introducing new perspectives and viewpoints.
We take a dive into the Women’s Prize library for this trip to America. From Indiana to the Hollywood Hills, this list takes you through the United States via the very best books written by women.
Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2003
Set on a Louisiana sugar plantation in the 19th century, Property is a powerful exploration of power, violence, and resistance. The novel delves into the complex relationships between a slave owner, her husband, and their slaves amidst rising tensions and bloody uprisings.
Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2006
This coming-of-age novel follows Lee Fiora, a teenager from Indiana who wins a scholarship to attend a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts. Prep offers a sharp and insightful look into adolescence, identity, and the complexities of fitting in.
Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2007
Set in the Hollywood Hills, this family saga unfolds over ten days as various characters gather at a house to escape the realities of the Iraq War. Ten Days in the Hills explores themes of love, politics, and the intricacies of personal relationships.
Shortlised for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2010
In 1980s Houston, Jay Porter, a struggling lawyer with a dark past, finds himself entangled in a dangerous mystery after rescuing a woman from drowning. Black Water Rising is a gripping tale of corruption, secrets, and social justice.
Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2012
Set in Los Angeles, this novel follows a young woman who travels to the city to attend her estranged mother’s funeral. “The Pink Hotel” explores themes of identity, ambition, and the search for connection in a world of casual encounters and fleeting relationships.
Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2014
After surviving a terrorist attack at an art museum, young Theo Decker is drawn into a world of crime and art forgery. Set across New York, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam, The Goldfinch is a richly layered novel about loss, obsession, and the transformative power of art.
Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2018
This semi-autobiographical novel follows Selin, a freshman at Harvard University, as she navigates the challenges of academia, identity, and first love. The Idiot offers a witty and poignant exploration of youth and self-discovery.
Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023
Set in Santa Barbara, this humorous novel chronicles the misadventures of Penny, a woman on a quest to piece her life back together. With quirky characters and sharp wit, The Dog of the North is a delightful exploration of resilience and the absurdities of life.
