Six Captivating Novels You’ll Want on Your Shelf: Winston Graham Prize Shortlist Revealed

From medieval minstrels to 1960s village life – the historical fiction shortlist is packed with powerful storytelling

The shortlist for the Winston Graham Historical Prize 2025 has been announced, revealing six striking novels set across centuries of British and Irish history – and all with a powerful sense of place.

Now in its annual cycle, the prize was established through a bequest from Poldark author Winston Graham to the Royal Institution of Cornwall (RIC) – the charity that runs Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery. The winner of the £3,000 prize will be revealed at the museum, which recently reopened following a period of closure.

Stories that bring the past to life

This year’s shortlist showcases historical fiction published within the last 12 months, each offering a distinct take on life in the past. From debut authors to established names, the selection ranges from medieval England to the Shetland Isles and the chill of the 1960s.

Here’s what’s made the cut:

Mother Naked by Glen James Brown (Peninsula Press):

Inspired by a single cathedral payment during the Black Death and Peasants’ Revolt, this novel follows a wandering minstrel – a master storyteller in disguise – through Durham’s past. – Buy on Amazon

A Little Trickerie by Rosanna Pike (Fig Tree):

Another debut, this tale follows Tibb Ingleby and her band of misfits as they plot an elaborate hoax to escape medieval social injustice. – Buy on Amazon

The Book of Days by Francesca Kay (Swift Press):

Set in Tudor England, a noblewoman finds solace in nature as her husband fades and the Reformation unfolds around her. – Buy on Amazon

Clear by Carys Davies (Granta Books):

A dark, atmospheric story set in 19th century Shetland, where human connection breaks the silence of isolation on a remote Scottish island. – Buy on Amazon

Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor (Picador):

This debut is set on an island off the coast of Wales as the Second World War casts its shadow, exploring themes of belonging and betrayal. – Buy on Amazon

The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller (Sceptre):

Set during the bitter winter of 1962-3 in a South West England village, this haunting tale explores the quiet moments that uncover the human heart. – Buy on Amazon

Judges face tough decision

The shortlist was drawn up by a readers’ committee, with a panel of expert judges now tasked with selecting the overall winner ahead of the award ceremony on 11th June.

The judging panel includes:

• Peggotty Graham, academic and Winston Graham’s daughter-in-law

• Francis Spufford, award-winning author of Golden Hill

• Lamorna Ash, whose debut Dark, Salt, Clear: Life in a Cornish Fishing Town was shortlisted for the Wainwright Nature Writing Prize

• Colin Midson, publishing consultant and founder of the Falmouth Book Festival

• Charlotte Hobson, chair of the panel, known for Black Earth City and The Vanishing Futurist

Charlotte said:

“It’s excitingly varied, strange and wonderful, with some well-known names as well as two debut novelists, and takes us from the life of a medieval Gleeman right up to the big freeze of the 1960s. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our passionate and dedicated Readers’ Committee for their work in getting us to this point – their enthusiasm reminds us what sheer pleasure the best historical fiction provides. Now it’s over to us judges to make what I’m sure will be a very tough final decision.”

A summer reading list with purpose

On behalf of Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Co-Director Bryony Robins added:

“At the museum we all eagerly anticipate the release of the shortlist each year, as it provides us with the ultimate reading list for the summer ahead. Once again there are some really exciting pieces of contemporary writing here which reshape how we see the past – something we strive to do through our own storytelling across our galleries and collections here at the museum.”

The Winston Graham Historical Prize continues to celebrate historical fiction that resonates with readers and reimagines how we view our shared past. With such a strong and diverse list, this year’s winner will be one to watch.

📷Winston Graham