Lyse Doucet stated, “Iran does not want a ceasefire, it will not negotiate a ceasefire, even though President Trump, according to Israeli media, is now looking for a one month ceasefire.” This quote reflects her insights into the complexities of international negotiations, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts.
Doucet, a prominent journalist, has been shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Nonfiction 2026 for her book titled The Finest Hotel in Kabul. The book traces Afghanistan’s modern history through the lens of a single hotel, providing a unique perspective on the country’s tumultuous past.
The Women’s Prize for Nonfiction, which was launched in 2024, aims to address the gender gap in nonfiction publishing. Research revealed that only 35.5% of winners across major UK nonfiction awards over the past decade were women, prompting the establishment of this award.
This year, the prize offers a £30,000 award and has attracted significant attention. The shortlist includes six authors: Arundhati Roy, Lyse Doucet, Judith Mackrell, Jane Rogoyska, Ece Temelkuran, and Daisy Fancourt.
Last year’s winner was Rachel Clarke for her book The Story of a Heart, while Naomi Klein won the inaugural award with Doppelganger.
The announcement of the 2026 winner is scheduled for June 11, a date eagerly anticipated by the literary community.
In recent years, the representation of women in popular science has seen improvement, rising from 11% in 2023 to 22% in 2025. However, men continue to dominate categories such as business and management, where they account for 93% of authors.
Doucet’s contributions to journalism and literature highlight the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in publishing. As the prize approaches, her work and the works of her fellow nominees will be under scrutiny.
As the literary world prepares for the announcement, Doucet’s insights and experiences continue to resonate, reflecting the broader challenges and narratives within nonfiction literature.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional developments related to the prize or the shortlisted authors.
