From a debut to two-time winner — the Miles Franklin shortlist is here

From Miles Franklin (perpetual.com.au/insights/2025-miles-franklin-…) prize veteran Michelle de Kretster to debut novelist Winnie Dunn, we bring you all six of the shortlisted authors in this round-up of their celebrated books.
This year's shortlist features a book set in an Ancient Chinese dynasty, a collection of linked short stories and a debut by the first ever published Australian Tongan novelist. The works traverse topics of migration, home, rebellion and feminist theory and all are in contention for the prestigious $60 000 prize.
The 2025 shortlisted works and authors:
• Chinese Postman (giramondopublishing.com/books/brian-castro-chi…) by Brian Castro
• Theory & Practice (textpublishing.com.au/books/theory-practice) by Michelle de Kretser
• Dirt Poor Islanders (hachette.com.au/winnie-dunn/dirt-poor-islander…)by Winnie Dunn
• Compassion (magabala.com.au/products/compassion?srsltid=Af…)by Julie Janson
• Ghost Cities (uqp.com.au/books/ghost-cities)by Siang Lu
• Highway 13 (allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Fiona-McFarlane-…)by Fiona McFarlane
The 2025 winner will be announced on 24 July.