Canadian authors Maria Reva and David Szalay have been included in the 2025 Booker Prize longlist, which consists of 13 books. The prestigious £50,000 prize is awarded annually to the best original novel written in English and published in the U.K.
Reva’s debut novel, “Endling,” features a gripping narrative about three women and a unique snail, set against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The story delves into the lives of Yeva, a scientist obsessed with breeding rare snails, and sisters Nastia and Solomiya, who navigate the complexities of the marriage industry. As war unfolds, the novel explores the harsh realities of conflict.
Hailed as “structurally wild and playful” and “heart-rending and angry” by this year’s prize jury, Reva, born in Ukraine and raised in New Westminster, B.C., has previously won the 2022 Kobzar Literary Award for her short story collection, “Good Citizens Need Not Fear.”
In a parallel development, Montreal-born Hungarian English author Szalay secured a spot on the longlist with his novel “Flesh.” The story follows István, a young man entangled in a tumultuous relationship with a married woman, leading to a spiral of recklessness as he grapples with his desires.
The Booker Prize longlist, handpicked by a panel of renowned judges, includes authors from various countries such as Albania, India, Malaysia, Trinidad and Tobago, the U.K., and the U.S. The complete list comprises a diverse range of literary works, with the shortlist set to be announced on Sept. 23 in London.
The winner of the 2025 Booker Prize will be revealed at an award ceremony on Nov. 9 in London. Over the years, the Booker Prize has seen acclaimed authors from around the world, with past Canadian winners like Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, and Yann Martel leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.