China Miéville wins 2026 Goldsmiths Prize for novel The Rouse

Author China Miéville has won the 2026 Goldsmiths Prize for his novel The Rouse, Literary Hub and The Guardian reported. The winner was announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday. Literary Hub and The Guardian both reported that the award comes with a 10,000 pound prize. [1][2]

The Guardian reported that the novel spans 1,264 pages, making it the longest book to win the prize since it was established. According to The Guardian, Miéville took two decades to complete the work, which combines elements of a paranormal thriller and a historical saga covering British imperial and cold war history. Judges described the book as exuberant and overflowing, The Guardian reported. [2]

Literary Hub reported that the judging panel was chaired by Francis Spufford and included Kate Briggs, Hari Kunzru, and David Sexton. The Goldsmiths Prize was founded in 2013 by Goldsmiths, University of London, in association with the New Statesman, to reward British or Irish fiction that breaks the mould or extends the possibilities of the novel form. Past winners include Ali Smith, Kevin Barry, Eimear McBride, and Rachel Cusk, Literary Hub reported. [1][7]

To be eligible for the Goldsmiths Prize, novels must be written by citizens or residents of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland and published by presses based in either country. [7]