The longlist for the 2026 Miles Franklin Literary Award has been announced, showcasing 13 novels that delve into Australian identity, history, and contemporary life. The prestigious award, named after the author of My Brilliant Career, celebrates the year's best novel about Australian life.
Diverse Range of Themes
This year's longlist features a diverse array of themes, from historical epics to intimate family dramas. Among the contenders are works exploring colonial history, Indigenous perspectives, migration stories, and modern urban experiences. The judges noted the high quality and depth of the submissions, reflecting the vitality of Australian literature.
Notable Authors and Works
Several established authors appear on the list, alongside emerging voices. Titles include The Labyrinth by Amanda Lohrey, a meditation on grief and renewal; Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran, which examines multiculturalism in aged care; and The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlane, set in colonial South Australia. Other notable entries include Every Version of You by Grace Chan, a speculative fiction exploring identity and technology, and Limberlost by Robbie Arnott, a Tasmanian coming-of-age story.
- The Labyrinth – Amanda Lohrey
- Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens – Shankari Chandran
- The Sun Walks Down – Fiona McFarlane
- Every Version of You – Grace Chan
- Limberlost – Robbie Arnott
- Cold Enough for Snow – Jessica Au
- The Dogs – John Hughes
- The Amateur – Kari Gislason
- Iris – Fiona Kelly McGregor
- The Dissident – Paul Daley
- Ghosts of the Past – Mark Brandi
- Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray – Anita Heiss
- In the Blink of an Eye – Jesse Blackadder
Judging Process and Criteria
The judging panel, chaired by literary critic Susan Wyndham, includes authors and academics who assessed the novels for their literary merit, engagement with Australian life, and narrative power. The shortlist will be announced in June, with the winner revealed in July. The award carries a prize of $60,000, making it one of Australia's richest literary prizes.
The longlist reflects a strong year for Australian fiction, with many works tackling pressing social issues while showcasing innovative storytelling. The judges praised the authors for their ability to capture the complexity of Australian identity in a changing world.
Historical Context
The Miles Franklin Award has a storied history since its inception in 1957. Past winners include classics such as The Tree of Man by Patrick White, Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally, and The Secret River by Kate Grenville. The award has helped launch the careers of many Australian writers and remains a benchmark for literary excellence.
For more information on the longlisted titles and the award, visit the official Miles Franklin website. The shortlist announcement is eagerly anticipated by the literary community.
