Algerian-Irish writer Djamel White has been longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize for his debut novel, All Them Dogs, becoming the only writer of African heritage on this year’s list of 13 books competing for one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards.
The Booker Prize Foundation announced the longlist on Tuesday, selecting 13 novels from 163 submissions published in the United Kingdom and Ireland between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.
Set in working-class Dublin, All Them Dogs follows Tony Ward, who returns to West Dublin after five years away to find that the gangland he once knew has changed. Hoping to rebuild his place in the criminal underworld, he begins working alongside Darren “Flute” Walsh, an enforcer for notorious crime boss Aengus Lavelle. As Tony confronts the consequences of his past, a growing attraction between them complicates their lives.
Described as “by turns savage, thrilling and unexpectedly tender,” the novel explores violence, lust, greed and one man’s struggle to find his place in an unforgiving world.
Based in Dublin, Djamel White is an Algerian-Irish writer. After leaving school at 17, he began volunteering with the Irish non-profit literary organisation Fighting Words, founded by Roddy Doyle in 2009. Working there strengthened his passion for writing and encouraged him to pursue it as a career. At 21, he enrolled at University College Dublin, where he earned a BA in English and Creative Writing, followed by an MFA in Creative Writing. During his studies, he was mentored by writers including Declan Hughes, Sarah Moss and Anne Enright. He has received both a Literature Bursary Award and an Agility Award from the Arts Council of Ireland.
This year’s judging panel is chaired by classicist and author Mary Beard, alongside poet Raymond Antrobus, musician Jarvis Cocker, journalist Rebecca Liu and novelist Patricia Lockwood.
The Booker Prize shortlist will be announced on September 22 at London’s Southbank Centre, while the winner will be revealed on November 9 at Old Billingsgate in London. The winning author will receive £50,000, while each shortlisted writer will receive £2,500.
Congratulations, Djamel White!
