Eighteen years is a long time to stay quiet in the literary world—especially after winning one of the biggest prizes in the game. But Kiran Desai, the acclaimed Indian author who took home the Booker Prize back in 2006, is back. And she’s making serious waves.
Her brand-new novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, has landed on the 2025 Booker Prize longlist, announced this past Tuesday. At a hefty 677 pages, the novel dives deep into the lives of two young Indians trying to find their place in the United States—a tale that feels timely, tender, and absolutely packed with emotion.
This marks Desai’s first published work since The Inheritance of Loss, the book that made her an international literary sensation nearly two decades ago. If fans were wondering whether the wait was worth it—this nomination speaks volumes.
A Global Literary Feast 🌍
Desai isn’t the only heavyweight on the longlist. This year’s Booker lineup is a true melting pot, representing nine countries across four continents. That’s right—this isn't just a showcase of talent, it's a passport through some of the most compelling literary voices working today.
Here's a taste of where these stories will take you:
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🇬🇧 England’s foggy coasts
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🇭🇺 Hungary’s complex heart
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🇲🇾 The cultural crossroads of Malaysia
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🇺🇦 The enduring spirit of Ukraine
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🇰🇷 Korea’s dynamic pulse
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🇮🇳 India’s layered identity
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🇺🇸 The fast-paced rhythms of New York and other American cities
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🇹🇹 The vibrant streets of Trinidad
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🇬🇷 Greece’s timeless landscapes
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🇦🇱 Albania’s emotional terrain
Roddy Doyle, the celebrated Irish author and this year’s chair of judges, summed it up beautifully: “The 13 longlisted novels bring the reader to Hungary, Albania, the north of England, Malaysia, Ukraine, Korea, London, New York, Trinidad and Greece, India and the West Country. All, somehow, examine identity, individual or national, and all, I think, are gripping and excellent.”
Joining Doyle on the panel? None other than actress and avid reader Sarah Jessica Parker, along with three other members whose literary sensibilities helped shape this exceptional list.
Returning Legends & First-Time Hopefuls ✨
While Desai’s return has the literary world buzzing, she’s in good company on the list. A couple of familiar faces are also making a comeback:
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Andrew Miller (U.K.), previously a finalist, is back with The Land in Winter.
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David Szalay (Hungarian-British), another past finalist, returns with Flesh.
Both have earned reputations for creating layered, emotional narratives, and their latest works are no exception.
Another name turning heads? Tash Aw. The Malaysian writer has twice come close to winning, but this could finally be his year with The South. If he takes home the prize, he'd become the first Malaysian to do so—a major moment in literary history.
A Strong Showing from British Authors 🇬🇧
The U.K. continues to be a force to reckon with in the Booker race. Five writers from Britain are among the semifinalists:
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Natasha Brown – Universality
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Jonathan Buckley – One Boat
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Benjamin Wood – Seascraper
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Along with the aforementioned Miller and Szalay
From experimental narratives to deeply personal storytelling, the Brits are offering a little bit of everything this year.
American Writers Making an Impact 🇺🇸
The U.S. isn’t sitting this one out either. American authors are flexing their creative muscles with a trio of standout titles:
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Susan Choi – Flashlight, an introspective exploration of light, memory, and trauma
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Katie Kitamura – Audition, weaving complex identities in an unforgiving world
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Ben Markovits – The Rest of Our Lives, a deep-dive into generational change and personal evolution
Each of these novels brings something fresh and emotionally raw to the table. Expect sharp prose, social commentary, and plenty of buzz.
Don't Miss These Other Global Gems 📚
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Ledia Xhoga, the Albanian-American writer, delivers Misinterpretation, a powerful reflection on cultural displacement.
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Claire Adam, from Trinidad, offers Love Forms, which pulses with Caribbean rhythm and emotional weight.
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Maria Reva, a debut Canadian-Ukrainian opera librettist, stuns with Endling, an unforgettable fictional journey through survival, heritage, and voice.
If you’re looking for stories that defy borders and dig into universal human truths, this longlist is the goldmine.
What’s Next in the Booker Prize Journey?
This announcement is just the beginning. The next major milestone? September 23rd. That’s when the panel will reveal the six finalists. So mark your calendars, because those titles will likely dominate reading lists worldwide.
And the grand finale? November 10th. That’s when the 2025 Booker Prize winner will be crowned at a much-anticipated ceremony in London. With a £50,000 (about $67,000) prize at stake and career-changing prestige on the line, it’s bound to be a nail-biter.
Last year’s winner was Orbital by Samantha Harvey, a breathtaking work from Britain. But this year? It's anyone’s game.
Final Thoughts: Kiran Desai and the Power of the Long Game 🖊️
For many, Kiran Desai’s return feels almost mythic. After nearly 20 years without a new novel, she’s back not with a whisper, but with a roar. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement.
This longlist is a reminder that great literature takes its time. Sometimes, it's decades in the making. And when it lands? It shakes the literary world to its core.
So, whether you're a Booker junkie, a casual reader, or someone just looking for your next great read, this year’s list is stacked with voices that demand to be heard.
And we can't wait to see who walks away with the crown this November. 📖👑
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