2026 Book Prize Shortlist

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2026 A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES DEBUT FICTION PRIZE 2026 AN OBSERVER BEST DEBUT NOVELIST 2026 BOOKSELLERS ARE SAYING: "A unique debut executed with richness and perfection" Jack at Waterstones Victoria "Beautiful, artistic, philosophical, curious and soothing" Helen at Waterstones Leeds "A story of inspiration, love and finding yourself again" Oleksandra at Waterstones Bishop's Stortford She is a curator, who spends her time dressing the rooms of historic buildings to bring them to life. But in the lush private quarters of a medieval palace, she finds herself so transfixed by the reign of an almost-forgotten King that the edges of her life begin to blur. He is a reluctant ruler with no hunger for power, rushed to the throne after the untimely deaths of his older brothers. But it isn't long before whispers begin to fly around the court. And with the growing belief that the King is not fit for the throne comes the idea that another might rule in his stead. May We Feed the King dances between the lives of a historical subject who risks the future of his kingdom and a woman who turns to the past to hide from her present. Laced with desire and longing, it is a playful, stirring meditation on history and storytelling: on what makes a King 'Great', and a life meaningful.