The 2025 Historical Novel Prize is the richest individual literary prize in Australasia, with a prize worth $150,000 across the Adult and the Children & Young Adult categories.
The Shortlist will be announced on 24th of September and the winners on 16 October.
Once again, history and imagination have converged, and the results are clear in the wealth of submissions, the diverse range of settings and historical periods, and the multitude of distinctive prose styles. This year’s longlisted titles feature stories set in the former Soviet Union and ancient China, in colonial Australia and sixteenth century Lithuania, among many other places and eras. Through this rich tapestry of locations and the various interpretations of the past, it is evident that historical fiction thrives. Additionally, it highlights the essential role of this genre. Beyond their entertainment value, the finest novels in the category offer profound insights into how past experiences have shaped the realities we face today and, for better or worse, may continue to influence our future.
All the titles below are in our collection, to reserve a copy, please click on the cover image.
WINNERS!
The exceptional standard of entries in 2025 led the judging panel to make the rare decision of naming joint winners in the Adult category. The $100,000 prize was divided equally between Tasma Walton and Robbie Arnott for their outstanding novels.
The $30,000 Children’s and Young Adult category prize was awarded to Suzanne Leal for:
Reader’s Choice for the Adult category was presented to Emily Maguire for:
Adult Category Longlist
Children and Young Adult Category Longlist
