In a groundbreaking achievement, Helen Garner's intimate diaries have secured the 2025 Baillie Gifford prize for nonfiction, marking a significant shift in the literary landscape. But what makes this win so remarkable?
Garner's 'How to End a Story' is not just another book; it's a captivating journey through her life, from the bohemian streets of 1970s Melbourne to the heart-wrenching breakdown of her marriage. The judges couldn't help but be captivated by her raw honesty, wit, and keen eye for detail. And this is where it gets intriguing: the award, worth £50,000, was unanimously awarded to a diary collection, a first in the history of this prestigious UK prize.
Garner, an Australian literary icon, has penned novels, screenplays, and nonfiction, earning accolades such as the Australian Society of Authors medal and the Windham-Campbell literature prize. Her writing is known for its unflinching exploration of everyday life, creativity, and moral dilemmas. Born in Geelong, she began her career as a teacher and journalist before her literary debut with 'Monkey Grip' in 1977.
But here's where it gets controversial. The Baillie Gifford prize, despite its prestige, has faced criticism for its association with fossil fuel investments and companies linked to Israel. Last year, boycotts led by Fossil Free Books resulted in the termination of sponsorships with several literary festivals. The 2024 winner, Richard Flanagan, even refused the prize money, urging the fund manager to reconsider its investments. This raises an important question: should literary awards be held accountable for their sponsors' actions?
The 2025 shortlist included diverse titles, from Jason Burke's 'The Revolutionists' to Frances Wilson's 'Electric Spark: The Enigma of Muriel Spark'. The judging panel, featuring renowned figures like Millen, Pratinav Anil, and Lucy Hughes-Hallett, had the challenging task of selecting a winner from over 350 books published in the past year.
Garner's win is a testament to the power of personal storytelling and the enduring appeal of the diary format. It invites readers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of life, as seen through the eyes of a master storyteller. And this is the part most people miss—the ability of literature to challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. What do you think? Is Garner's win a triumph for personal narratives, or does the controversy surrounding the prize overshadow its literary merit?
