Since 1996, the Women's Prize For Fiction has shone a spotlight on outstanding works written by women, inspiring many around the globe to pursue their passions
This story was originally published on July 22, 2020 and updated on September 9, 2021.
In the last two decades, this highly respected literary award has been presented to authors of incredibly important and impressive works of fiction, such as Carol Shields, Ali Smith, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Barbara Kingsolver and Zadie Smith. And many past recipients and nominees have gone on to empower aspiring writers to share their stories through mentoring programmes, literary events, reading groups and a weekly podcast hosted by the organisation.
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This year, the Women's Prize has been awarded to Susanna Clarke for her sophomore novel, Piranesi.
"As some of you may know, Piranesi was nurtured, written and publicised during a long illness. It is a book that I never thought I would get to write; I never thought I'd be well enough. My hope is that my standing here tonight will encourage other women who are incapacitated by long illness. This is an immense and incredible honour," says Clarke in her acceptance speech.