Acclaimed novelist and English professor Ben Markovits earns a place on the 2025 Booker Prize shortlist for his moving new novel, The Rest of Our Lives.
Professor Ben Markovits, acclaimed novelist and professor from Royal Holloway’s Department of English, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Booker Prize for his twelfth novel, The Rest of Our Lives.
Professor Markovits’s novel stands among six international finalists for one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards: a testament to his mastery of the craft and his ability to capture the complexities of modern life.
The Booker Prize judges praised this year’s shortlist as “authors in total command of their own store of English, their own rhythm, their own expertise; they have each crafted a novel that no one else could have written.”
The Rest of Our Lives explores the poignant terrain of middle age, family, and the bittersweet transitions that come with children leaving home. In recent interviews, Professor Markovits shared that the inspiration for the novel came from his own experiences as a parent watching his children grow up and move on.
Upon hearing that his work had been shortlisted, Professor Markovits said: “I felt very lucky to be able to sit in the audience with my family while the short list was announced.”
The Booker Prize shortlisting is not just a personal milestone for Professor Markovits, but also a proud moment for the university community. His achievement highlights the vibrant creative culture fostered at Royal Holloway and serves as an inspiration to students and colleagues alike.
Professor Adam Roberts, Head of the Department of English, shared his excitement:
“Ben’s shortlisting is a moment of immense pride for all of us. His work exemplifies the depth, humanity, and intellectual curiosity we strive to nurture in our department. It’s thrilling to see his storytelling recognised on a global stage – and even more thrilling to know our students are learning from one of the finest literary voices of our time.”
To mark the occasion, the Department of English is hosting a special event this evening (Wednesday 24 September), from 5pm to 6pm at the Lecture Theatre at The Shilling Building. Professor Markovits will read from The Rest of Our Lives, followed by an interview with Professor Roberts about the novel, the Booker Prize experience, and the creative process behind his work.
The winner of the 2025 Booker Prize will be announced at a ceremony in November. Until then, we join the literary world in celebrating Professor Markovits’s extraordinary accomplishment and wish him every success in the final stage of this prestigious competition.
