When we first shared the longlist for the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction in February, and the Women's Prize for Fiction at the start of March, the winners' announcement in June felt very far away. But here we are already. 

This evening at the annual Women's Prize Trust Summer Party in Bedford Square Gardens, London, we finally learned of the winners of the coveted 'Bessie' and the 'Charlotte'. 2025 is also a special year as it marks the 30th Anniversary of the Women's Prize for Fiction, a momentous occasion that has seen the prize constantly working to create equitable opportunities for women in the world of books, and celebrate their writing each year with the prize. Read our Q&A with Executive Director of The Women's Prize Trust Claire Shanahan where we discussed this milestone in more detail.

Who won the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction?

The 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction was won by Yael van der Wouden for The Safekeep: an unsettling, tightly-plotted debut novel which explores repressed desire and historical amnesia set against the backdrop of the Netherlands post-WWII.

The Safekeep is at once a highly-charged, claustrophobic drama played out between two deeply flawed characters, and a bold, insightful exploration of the emotional aftermath of trauma and complicity. Van der Wouden’s universally resonant tale cements her as one of contemporary fiction’s most exciting new voices.

Kit de Waal, Chair of Judges for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction, said:

‘The Safekeep is that rare thing: a masterful blend of history, suspense and historical authenticity. Every word is perfectly placed, page after page revealing an aspect of war and the Holocaust that has been, until now, mostly unexplored in fiction. It is also a love story with beautifully rendered intimate scenes written with delicacy and compelling eroticism. This astonishing debut is a classic in the making, a story to be loved and appreciated for generations to come. Books like this don’t come along every day.’

As the winner of the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction, sponsored by Audible and Baileys, Yael van der Wouden receives £30,000, anonymously endowed, along with a limited-edition bronze statuette known as the ‘Bessie’, created and donated by the artist Grizel Niven.

Who won the 2025 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction?

The 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction was awarded to Dr Rachel Clarke for The Story of a Heart: a clear-sighted, vital exploration into the human experience behind organ donation. Interweaving two intimate family stories, we meet nine-year old Kiera who dies following a catastrophic car accident and Max, also nine years old, who faces imminent heart failure due to a viral infection.

Through these individual tragedies, Rachel Clarke depicts the expertise and dedication of the countless medical staff who look after Keira in her final hours and those who offer Max a new life. The Story of a Heart is an inspiring and profoundly moving book which celebrates an indefatigable respect for life, the generosity and tenacity of the human spirit, and the sheer miracle of modern science.

Kavita Puri, Chair of Judges for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, said:

‘The Story of a Heart left a deep and long-lasting impression on us. Clarke’s writing is authoritative, beautiful and compassionate. The research is meticulous, and the storytelling is expertly crafted. She holds this precious story with great care and tells it with dignity, interweaving the history of transplant surgery seamlessly. This is a book where humanity shines through on every page, from the selfless act of the parents who gift their daughter’s heart in the depths of despair, to the dedication of the NHS workers. It is unforgettable, and will be read for many years to come.’

Winning the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, sponsored by Findmypast, Clarke receives £30,000 and a limited-edition artwork known as the ‘Charlotte’, both gifted by the Charlotte Aitken Trust.

Who judged the Women's Prize for 2025?

For Fiction, Kit de Waal was joined on the judging panel by novelist, journalist and inaugural winner of the 2006 Orange Award for New Writers (the Women’s Prize for debut novelists) Diana Evans; author, journalist and mental-health campaigner Bryony Gordon; magazine editor, most recently Editor-in-Chief of Glamour UK, Deborah Joseph; and musician and composer known for award-winning film scores, Amelia Warner.

For Non-Fiction, journalist, broadcaster and author Kavita Puri was joined on the judging panel by the writer and broadcaster Dr Leah Broad, whose work focuses on women’s cultural history; novelist and critic Elizabeth Buchan; writer and environmental academic Dr Elizabeth-Jane Burnett; and author and writer of The Hyphen newsletter on Substack, Emma Gannon.

The Women's Prize Outstanding Achievement Award

In celebration of the 30th anniversary, it was announced earlier this month that Bernardine Evaristo was awarded an Outstanding Contribution Award. Authors who have previously been longlisted, shortlisted or won the prize over the last three decades were elidgible to win a £100,000 prize and special sculpture by Caroline Russell MRSS named 'Thoughtful'.  The presentation of the award took place at tonight's event. There's still time for you to enter our competition to win a bundle of Bernardine Evaristo's book to celebrate this award winner. 

The Women's Prize for Fiction and Non-Fiction Shortlists

12 brilliant books, 12 amazing authors make up the two 2025 shortlists. In March and April we shared the news of the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction shortlist and the Women's Prize for Fiction shortlist respectively. 

The key themes of resistance and renewal shone through the Non-Fiction shortlist with six titles ranging from memoir to a focus on history, science and current affairs. Meanwhile in the Fiction shortlist, through varying themes the key topics of human connection and personal freedom were highlighted. 

Alongside the shortlist announcements we also had the opportunity to ask this year's Chair of Judges for the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction, Kavita Puri some questions. You can recap our Q&A with Kavita here. 

We also have a free-to-enter giveaway offering you the chance to win a copy of the winners of The Safekeep and The Story of a Heart. Click here to find out how to enter.