Women’s Prize for Fiction: Read 2021’s top novel and the winning titles from previous years

Following the success of her debut novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (£8.99, Amazon.co.uk), Clarke has created a richly gothic atmosphere in Piranesi, which offers a unique look at a world filled with loneliness.

Blending mystery and magic, this dark novel explores the life of narrator and protagonist Piranesi, who lives in “The House”. On Tuesdays and Fridays, he sees his friend, the Other, while sometimes he takes tributes to the Dead, but often he is alone.

Owing to Clarke’s ability to conjure up a world that hovers between reality and fantasy, it’s been praised as a totally enchanting read.

Written by one of the greatest living British novelists, this is the heartbreaking story behind one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. It’s a fictional account of the short life of the Bard’s son, Hamnet, who died at the age of 11. Touching on love and loss, the novel speaks volumes about grief and how people find their way through it.

With raw honesty, Hamnet showcases O’Farrell’s unflinching ability as a writer who can craft impeccable and emotional prose. It was even featured in our review of the best books of 2020, with our writer praising it for being a “wonderfully evocative novel” that’s “a joy to read”.

Another masterpiece in storytelling, this novel dissects what happens to a relationship when unforeseen circumstances work to sabotage it. Beautifully told with authentic characterisation, it explores the hearts and minds of three people who are separated following a wrongful conviction.

Jones’s probing of issues around race and justice is subtle yet moving, and done with a high level of emotional intelligence – as such, it’s a book that is likely to stay with you long after you’ve put it down. A perfect novel for devouring in a single weekend.

A modern-day reimagining of Sophocles’s Antigone, this commanding novel documents the life of Isma, who has spent years caring for her two younger siblings, Aneeka and Parvaiz. But, while pursuing her lifelong dream in America, she begins to worry about them. Parvaiz has fled England to join Isis after discovering his jihadist father, who he never knew, died en route to Guantanamo Bay. When he reappears, halfway across the world, Isma’s worst fears are confirmed.

It’s a devastating study of family and identity, and how they frequently inform one another in dark and unexpected ways. It’s also a powerful comment on society and religion.

This dystopian novel is an electrifying read that reimagines our current society as a world where women are more powerful than men. Teenage girls are given the ability to electrocute other people with their hands, making them the dominant gender.

It’s a fast-paced, disturbing and urgent satire that holds our present-day society to account. It’s currently being adapted for the small screen and will be available on Amazon Prime Video soon.

Exposing the depths of Cork’s underworld following the economic crash, this is a searing debut. One messy murder affects the lives of five struggling individuals; all of whom are connected by crime, addiction and abuse. One such person is young protagonist Ryan, a 15-year-old drug dealer who is a victim of exploitation.

The prose is laced with local vernacular and a smattering of Gaelic, and McInerney creates a group of complex and vibrant characters. It’s moving and at times darkly funny, and explores the legacy of Ireland’s attitudes towards sex, family and religion in the 21st century.