The literary world is abuzz as the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) has officially unveiled its highly anticipated list of finalists for the 2025 awards. This prestigious annual recognition honors outstanding books published in English, and this year's selection showcases a diverse array of 42 exceptional works spanning eight distinct categories. The announcement has generated significant excitement, particularly with the inclusion of two prominent Indian authors among the nominees.
Indian Literary Stars Shine on Global Stage
Among the distinguished finalists, two names stand out for their connection to Indian literature. Arundhati Roy, the acclaimed novelist and activist, has been shortlisted for her work Mother Mary Comes to Me in the Autobiography category. Meanwhile, Banu Mushtaq, whose Heart Lamp: Selected Stories previously won the International Booker Prize, is nominated in the Gregg Barrios Book in Translation category for the English version translated from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi. Their inclusion underscores the growing global recognition of Indian literary talent.
Comprehensive Categories and Notable Selections
The NBCC Awards feature a robust structure with 30 books selected across six primary categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Poetry, and Criticism. Additionally, the awards include two special prizes: the John Leonard Prize for the best first book and the Gregg Barrios Book in Translation for the best translated work published in the United States, each with six nominees voted on by the NBCC membership.
The Fiction category boasts an impressive shortlist including:
- The Antidote by Karen Russell
- Audition by Katie Kitamura
- On the Calculation of Volume (Book III) by Solvej Balle
- We Do Not Part by Han Kang
- The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy
In Nonfiction, thought-provoking titles such as Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI by Karen Hao and No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris are competing for the top honor.
Biography and Autobiography Highlights
The Biography category features compelling narratives like Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s First South Asian Star by Mayukh Sen and Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore by Ashley D. Farmer. In Autobiography, alongside Arundhati Roy's entry, notable works include Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks and Shattered by Hanif Kureishi.
Poetry, Criticism, and Special Prizes
The Poetry shortlist presents collections such as Chronicle of Drifting by Yuki Tanaka and Unravel by Tolu Oloruntoba. Criticism nominees include Exophony: Voyages Outside the Mother Tongue by Yoko Tawada and To Save and to Destroy: Writing as an Other by Viet Thanh Nguyen.
For the John Leonard Prize, debut works like Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs and Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist by Liz Pelly are in contention. The Gregg Barrios Book in Translation category, featuring Banu Mushtaq's Heart Lamp, also includes Near Distance by Hanna Stoltenberg and The Frog in the Throat by Markus Werner.
Awards Ceremony and Anticipation
The winners across all categories will be announced at a formal awards ceremony scheduled for March 26, 2026. This event promises to be a significant moment in the literary calendar, celebrating excellence in writing and translation. The NBCC Awards continue to serve as a vital benchmark for literary achievement, recognizing works that push boundaries and enrich global discourse.
With such a diverse and talented pool of finalists, the 2025 NBCC Awards highlight the vibrant state of contemporary literature. The inclusion of authors like Arundhati Roy and Banu Mushtaq not only brings pride to Indian readers but also emphasizes the universal appeal of stories that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
