Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2026 shortlist features five British authors

The 2026 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction has revealed its shortlist, marking the first time in the award's 17-year history that all finalists are British authors. Five novels are competing for the £25,000 prize: Jo Harkin's 'The Pretender,' Alice Jolly's 'The Matchbox Girl,' Graeme Macrae Burnet's 'Benbecula,' Rachel Seiffert's 'Once the Deed is Done,' and Benjamin Wood's 'Seascraper.' The winner will be announced on June 12 at the Borders Book Festival in Melrose. Judges praised the shortlisted works for exploring intimate lives across varied settings and amplifying typically unheard voices. Organized by the Abbotsford Trust, the prize recognizes outstanding historical fiction that offers fresh perspectives on both past and present eras through compelling storytelling.