The 2025 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction’s longlist has been revealed and representing the African literary continent are:
- Mubanga Kalimamukwento for her book, Obligations to the Wounded (University of Pittsburgh Press).
- O.O. Sangoyomi for her book, Masquerade (Forge).
Among 15 standout works spanning novels, short stories, and translated fiction, Kalimamukwento and Sangoyomi shine as testaments to the power of African narratives in global literature.
Diana Abu-Jaber, on behalf of the 2025 Jury for The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction which consisted Norma Dunning, Kim Fu, Tessa McWatt, and Jeanne Thornton in his words says;
“It has been a joy and an honor to select these outstanding books for The Carol Shields Prize longlist. Each of these works is extraordinary and original, showing us the path forward, out of suppression, into humanity and liberation”
This prestigious award, celebrating women writers from the U.S. and Canada, boasts a $150,000 USD grand prize—set to be awarded May 1, 2025, in Chicago—alongside a five-night stay at Fogo Island Inn for the winner and $12,500 for each finalist.
Created by Canadian novelist Susan Swan and editor Janice Zawerbny, with an organizing committee that includes noted women literary figures such as Alice Munro, Dionne Brand, Jane Urquhart, The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is a North American literary award, created in 2020 to honour literature by women. The annual prize awards US$150,000 to the winning work and US$12,500 to each of the shortlisted finalists, making it one of the world’s richest literary awards.
Novelist, Carol Shields was selected as the namesake of the award, both in honour of her record as an advocate and mentor for women writers and because of her status as a dual citizen of both countries. The winner will also receive a residency at the Fogo Island writers’ retreat. In addition, the winner will also select an emerging female or non-binary writer, who will receive a year-long mentorship.
The shortlist will be revealed on April 3 to narrow the field, and by May 1, one writer will claim the grand prize.
Congratulations Mubanga Kalimamukwento and O.O. Sangoyomi!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
