The Book of Days by Francesca Kay has been longlisted for the 2025 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.
Chair of Judges, Katie Grant, said:
‘It has been exciting to read the diverse crop of novels on the WSP 2025 Longlist. We’ve discovered little-known aspects of our collective pasts, experienced excesses of human behaviour, and been placed so authentically in the middle of the action that we’ve felt part of the action. We’re delighted to celebrate debut and emerging writers published by small presses, as well as more established authors and publishers. With two new judges on board, including one of the first winners of the Young Walter Scott Prize, we look forward to testing these novels against the Prize criteria of originality, innovation, longevity and quality, and then debating the merits of all twelve books and choosing our Shortlist later this spring.’
Matthew Maxwell Scott, Walter Scott’s great-great-great-great grandson and Trustee of The Abbotsford Trust which now operates the Prize, said:
‘Walter Scott, founding father of the historical novel, understood that our present is shaped by the tales we tell ourselves of the past. The Walter Scott Prize, now run from the vibrant hub of his great home, Abbotsford, shines a spotlight on the very best new historical fiction from across the UK, Ireland and Commonwealth. In recognising excellence, the Prize honours Scott’s legacy by inspiring more people to discover the joy and value of historical fiction, supporting both new and established writers in their careers, and bringing readers and authors of this illustrious genre together to celebrate and question each other.’
A Shortlist will be chosen by the judges and announced on April 15th, and the winner will be announced at the Borders Book Festival and at Abbotsford between 12th and 15th June.
