Chair of the judges Martha Lane Fox commented on the list, “We are all living in challenging, sad, and complex times so incredible stories provide hope, a moment of escape and a point of connection now more than ever. Choosing the shortlist was tough—we went slowly and carefully and passions ran high—just as you would want in such a process. But we are all so proud of these books—all readers will find solace if they pick one up.” The 2020 judging panel includes chair Martha Lane Fox; writer and activist Scarlett Curtis; writer and activist Melanie Eusebe; co-founder of the Black British Business Awards, author, and comedian Viv Groskop; and Paula Hawkins, international bestselling author of The Girl on the Train.

Meet our 2020 judges here: https://t.co/VDObB5qLwi pic.twitter.com/VgyyZdwPv3 — Women’s Prize (@WomensPrize) November 6, 2019

2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction Shortlist

Dominicana by Angie Cruz Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel Hamnet by Maggie O’ Farrell Weather by Jenny Offill

Huge congratulations to our six shortlisted authors 🙌Discover the books here: https://t.co/ddQDkB4vms pic.twitter.com/clWiG5mFh5 — Women’s Prize (@WomensPrize) April 21, 2020 Curious about what didn’t make the shortlist? Check out the complete longlist: 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist Announced