Marlon James and Douglas Stuart, both past winners, are part of the group of six finalists for the 2026 Booker Prize. Jamaican-born James is in contention with his book “The Disappearers,” while Scottish American writer Stuart is recognized for his work “John of John.” The prestigious award, valued at £50,000 (approximately $93,851 Cdn), is presented annually to the best original novel in English published in the U.K.
The shortlist also features M. John Harrison’s “The End of Everything,” Luke Kennard’s “Black Bag,” Rebecca Perry’s “May We Feed the King,” and Elizabeth Strout’s “The Things We Never Say.” “The Disappearers” narrates the killing of a homosexual man in 1980s Jamaica and the tragic aftermath that follows.
In “John of John,” set in Scotland on the island of Lewis and Harris, the story revolves around young islander Cal and his relationships with his father, grandmother, queerness, Calvinist beliefs, and sense of belonging. Stuart, who won the Booker Prize in 2020 for “Shuggie Bain,” has crafted a rich and poignant tale according to the jury.
Marlon James has previously won the Booker Prize in 2015 for “A Brief History of Seven Killings” and received a longlist nomination in 2019 for “Black Leopard, Red Wolf.” The 2026 Booker Prize jury comprises distinguished individuals like Raymond Antrobus, Jarvis Cocker, Rebecca Liu, Patricia Lockwood, and is led by Mary Beard. The shortlisted authors will be awarded £2,500 (approximately $4,692 Cdn) and a specially bound copy of their book.
This year’s list does not include any Canadian authors. The winner of the 2026 Booker Prize will be revealed at a ceremony on Nov. 9 in London. Since 2013, authors of any nationality have been eligible for the Booker Prize. In 2025, Montreal-born David Szalay won the award for his novel “Flesh.” Notable Canadian winners in the past include Michael Ondaatje in 1992 for “The English Patient” and Yann Martel in 2002 for “Life of Pi.”