**Dutch Debut Author Claims 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction**
The prestigious Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025 was awarded in central London on Thursday night to Dutch writer Yael van der Wouden for her powerful debut novel, *The Safekeep*. At the age of 38, van der Wouden has been recognised for her evocative storytelling, which confronts complex themes of desire and historical trauma in the aftermath of the Second World War.
*The Safekeep* delves into the shadows of post-Holocaust Netherlands, exploring the suppressed emotions and lingering effects of war through a deeply personal lens. Its narrative centres around Isabel, a solitary young woman whose world is disrupted when Eva, her brother’s girlfriend, arrives to stay with her. What unfolds is a tense and intimate summer shaped by obsession, mistrust, and forbidden longing, set against the backdrop of family secrets and national scars.
Chairing the panel of judges this year was the acclaimed writer Kit de Waal, who lauded van der Wouden’s skill in blending historical accuracy with psychological suspense. De Waal described the novel as “a masterful blend of history and emotion,” noting that every sentence had been crafted with meticulous care. She went on to praise the way the novel shed light on overlooked aspects of the Holocaust’s legacy in Dutch society, whilst at the same time offering an affecting love story marked by sensitivity and genuine passion.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction is one of the UK’s foremost literary awards, founded to honour outstanding work by women writers globally. This year, as in previous editions, the accolade attracted considerable attention, with van der Wouden standing out among an impressive shortlist. The author was awarded the £30,000 prize money, along with the bronze ‘Bessie’ statuette, a limited-edition artwork created by Grizel Niven.
The 2025 judging panel featured an eclectic mix of voices, including novelist and journalist Diana Evans, mental health advocate Bryony Gordon, magazine editor Deborah Joseph, and musician Amelia Warner. Their selection of *The Safekeep* reflects the prize’s commitment to recognising original and culturally resonant works.
In a noteworthy expansion of the honours ceremony, the Women’s Prize Trust also announced the second annual winner of its non-fiction category. The award went to physician and writer Dr Rachel Clarke for her book *The Story Of A Heart*, which documents the poignant realities of organ donation. Clarke’s narrative weaves together the experiences of two families—one enduring the tragedy of loss, the other experiencing hope—as she details the transfer of a heart from nine-year-old Kiera, lost in a car accident, to Max, a child the same age suffering from heart failure.
Kavita Puri, broadcaster and chair of judges for the non-fiction award, expressed deep admiration for Clarke’s work, commending its compassion, rigorous research, and sensitive storytelling. The book was celebrated for “holding a precious story with dignity,” blending history and personal testimony while honouring the selflessness of families and NHS staff at the heart of transplant medicine. Both moving and informative, it was described as a text with enduring impact.
For her achievement, Dr Clarke was presented with a £30,000 prize and the Charlotte, a limited-edition artwork donated by the Charlotte Aitken Trust.
Other judges for the non-fiction category included cultural historian Dr Leah Broad, novelist Elizabeth Buchan, Dr Elizabeth-Jane Burnett, and writer Emma Gannon, ensuring a breadth of perspectives in the selection process.
Previous recipients of the Women’s Prize for Fiction have included celebrated works such as Madeline Miller’s *The Song of Achilles* and Tayari Jones’ *An American Marriage*. Meanwhile, last year’s inaugural non-fiction honour was given to Naomi Klein for *Doppelganger: A Trip Into The Mirror World*.
The awards, organised by the Women’s Prize Trust, underline an ongoing mission to elevate the voices and achievements of women writers in an industry still grappling with historical imbalances. As the event came to a close, the Trust reiterated its vision of achieving equity in literature and beyond—ensuring these important stories continue to be told to an international audience.