The 2025 British Book Awards celebrated the literary world’s finest on May 12th, with Alexei Navalny, Percival Everett, Asako Yuzuki, Stanley Tucci, and others receiving top honors at a glittering ceremony in London’s Grosvenor Hotel.
Prizes were awarded across multiple categories, including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Debut, Children’s, and Social Impact, showcasing a diverse range of voices and stories.
Navalny’s Patriot Named Overall Book of the Year
The evening’s most poignant moment came with the crowning of Patriot by Alexei Navalny as Overall Book of the Year. The late Russian opposition leader’s memoir also secured Non-Fiction: Narrative Book of the Year, overcoming notable titles from Boris Johnson, Gillian Anderson, and Sir Chris Hoy.
Judges were unanimous in their praise, calling Patriot a “tremendous” and “modern tragedy,” lauding Navalny’s unwavering commitment to his cause. Special recognition was given to The Bodley Head for their “exceptional” campaign and editorial sensitivity, particularly in their collaboration with Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, after his death in a Russian penal colony.
Fiction and Author of the Year: Percival Everett’s James
In the Fiction Book of the Year category, Percival Everett triumphed with James, a powerful reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Judges hailed it as a “future classic,” praising its wit, emotional depth, and enduring message on freedom and family. The Booker-shortlisted and National Book Award-winning novel resonated deeply with the panel.
Everett’s stellar year was further recognized as he was named Author of the Year, with judges calling him “one of the great literary novelists of our time.”
Asako Yuzuki Wins Debut Fiction for Butter
The Debut Fiction award went to Asako Yuzuki for Butter (translated by Polly Barton). Judges were impressed by Fourth Estate’s innovative marketing campaign, which successfully turned the novel into the “it” book of Spring 2024. The panel also applauded the publisher’s commitment to spotlighting the translator’s role, setting a new benchmark for future translated works.
Kate Mosse Honored for Social Impact
A special Social Impact award was presented to Kate Mosse, author and founder of The Women’s Prize, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the publishing industry and advocacy for gender equality in literature.
Children’s Literature and Illustration Awards
In the Children’s Illustrated category, beloved duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler were awarded for Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin. Judges commended the book’s conservation theme, rhythmic storytelling, and the publisher’s extensive outreach, including partnerships with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and Edinburgh Zoo.
Rob Biddulph was named Illustrator of the Year, following a record-breaking year with standout titles like I Follow the Fox and Gigantic. Biddulph’s dedication to promoting reading and drawing among children was highlighted, including his viral #DrawWithRob initiative and educational exhibitions.
Industry Reflections
Alice O’Keeffe, books editor of The Bookseller and chair of the Books of the Year, celebrated the winners as “a diverse and exceptional showcase of global storytelling.” Philip Jones, editor of The Bookseller and chair of The British Book Awards, emphasized the publishing industry’s resilience, creativity, and commitment to literacy amid global challenges.
“The 35th year of these awards has been the best yet,” Jones said. “Our winners represent excellence, fortitude, imagination, and defiance—qualities that define the book trade’s enduring value to society.”
