Virginia Giuffre Memoir Wins British Book of the Year Award

Virginia Giuffre's memoir Nobody's Girl was named overall book of the year at the 2025 British Book Awards, whose ceremony was held in London on Monday evening. The book, co-written with Amy Wallace, also won non-fiction narrative book of the year and jointly received the freedom to publish award with Sarah Wynn-Williams' Careless People.

BBC News reported that the awards, also known as the Nibbies, celebrate the best books published in 2025.

Giuffre took her own life six months before the memoir's publication in October 2025. Nobody's Girl detailed her encounters with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell. It also included details of Giuffre's allegations about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, which he has always denied.

The publication of Nobody's Girl in October 2025 increased pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles III removed his brother's royal titles and honours following the publication. The memoir's success at the awards came as the British Book Awards honoured several other categories at the same event hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern at Grosvenor House.

AF Steadman won author of the year. Dav Pilkey won illustrator of the year. Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory won the fiction category, while The Names by Florence Knapp won the debut fiction prize.

Forgotten Churches by Luke Sherlock won non-fiction lifestyle and illustrated. A Case of Mice and Murder by Sally Smith won crime and thriller. The Mercy Step by Marcia Hutchinson won discover book of the year.

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.