Exploring the intricate themes of identity and relationships in this year’s Booker Prize contenders.
The 2025 Booker Prize shortlist showcases six novels that delve into the complexities of individual identity, particularly influenced by unconventional and challenging family dynamics. The shortlist has been referred to as the “revenge of the middle-aged author” by The Times, a phrase that, while potentially pejorative, emphasizes the maturity and depth of the narratives presented. The review describes these works as “novels for grown-ups,” reflecting a preference for maturity over novelty in literature.
The Booker Prize’s focus on established authors is evident, as the shortlist includes previous winners and nominees. This year, Kiran Desai, who won the Booker Prize in 2006, and authors Andrew Miller and David Szalay, previously shortlisted, are among the contenders. This trend towards recognizing seasoned writers may counteract the prevailing youth-centric narratives often seen in literary circles, where initiatives like Granta’s best young novelists and Penguin’s authors under 35 tend to dominate. In contrast, the newly launched Pioneer Prize, aimed at female writers over 60, seeks to address the oversight of older women writers, with 91-year-old Maureen Duffy as its first recipient.
The current shortlist features three women authors, and early predictions suggest that Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny and Susan Choi’s Flashlight are strong contenders for the prize. Desai’s novel focuses on a 55-year-old protagonist whose life is intricately controlled by her parents, juxtaposed with the epic love story between the titular characters. In contrast, Choi’s Flashlight spans generations, beginning in 1940s Japan and navigating through suburban America and North Korea, offering a less-documented migration narrative enriched by elements of mystery.
Ben Markovits’ The Rest of Our Lives also holds potential for popularity, with its themes of an extra-marital affair and a road trip narrative that invites readers into the protagonist’s introspective journey. The book portrays a gradual unravelling of relationships as Tom and his wife navigate their choices following her affair. This theme of uncertainty resonates with Miller’s The Land in Winter, where the oppressive winter forces two couples to confront uncomfortable truths in their relationships.
Each novel in the shortlist, including Katie Kitamura’s Audition, which explores ambiguous familial relationships, underscores the pervasive theme of identity shaped by life’s complexities. Szalay’s Flesh stands out as a narrative that tackles the risk and uncertainty of relationships through the lens of a young boy’s interactions with an older woman. The dialogues in this book provide a sharp yet sparse storytelling style, adding to its unique appeal.
As the literary landscape evolves, it remains to be seen whether this year’s Booker winner will reflect the trend of recognizing older women writers or continue to challenge the norms. With an emphasis on introspection and the exploration of identity amidst uncertainty, this year’s shortlist presents narratives that, while centered on middle age, are anything but safe and comfortable. Jenni Ramone, an associate professor at Nottingham Trent University, articulates these themes and their significance in contemporary literature.
