Virginia Giuffre Memoir Wins British Book of the Year Award

Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite, narrated by Weruche Opia, Diana Yekinni and Nnei Opia Clark, won audiobook fiction. The book was published in March 2025, after which Facebook blocked Sarah Wynn-Williams from promoting it.

Alchemised by SenLinYu won science fiction and fantasy, Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry won romantic fiction, and Bunny vs Monkey: Intergalactic Monkey Business! by Jamie Smart won graphic novel book of the year. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins won children's fiction.

Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, won children's non-fiction illustrated. Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre and Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams jointly won the freedom to publish award.

Amanda Roberts said the book was "a true testament to what a survivor's voice can do when finally given the space to be heard". She added that Giuffre "inspired millions, not just to be seen, or survivors to be seen, but she called us to action". Sky Roberts said the family was "truly honoured to accept this award on Virginia's behalf".

Amy Wallace said working with Giuffre on the book had been the "honour of my career". Alice O'Keeffe, head of books for The Bookseller and chair of the books of the year, said the judges "championed" Giuffre's memoir. "With this award we recognise the late author's extraordinary courage and determination, supported by Doubleday's sensitive campaign, #BelieveHer," O'Keeffe said.

Jones said both stories, told by silenced voices, represented the best in the book trade. The awards ceremony also saw Dame Jilly Cooper, Sophie Kinsella and Joanna Trollope commemorated with a special posthumous award. Dame Jilly Cooper died in October aged 88.

Sophie Kinsella and Joanna Trollope both died in December.