Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024: Yael van der Wouden Wins
Yael van der Wouden, a debut novelist from teh Netherlands, claims the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024 with her novel, The Safekeep. This romantic family saga, set in 1961 Netherlands, delves into the aftermath of World War II for Dutch Jews. British doctor Rachel Clarke secured the nonfiction prize for The Story of a Heart, while Bernardine Evaristo was honored for her outstanding contribution. Chair of judges, Kit de Waal, praised van der Wouden’s work as a “masterful blend of history, suspense,” solidifying its status as a potential classic with its historical accuracy. News Directory 3 has the complete coverage, including Wouden’s revelation about her intersex identity during her acceptance speech, and details on Clarke’s exploration of heart surgery thru two children. Discover what’s next for these celebrated authors and their award-winning books.
Dutch Author Yael van der Wouden Wins Women’s Prize for Fiction
Updated June 12, 2025
Yael van der Wouden, a debut novelist from the Netherlands, has been awarded the women’s Prize for Fiction for her book, The Safekeep.British doctor Rachel Clarke won the nonfiction prize for The Story of a Heart. Both authors received £30,000 at the Thursday evening ceremony.
The Safekeep, a romantic family saga set in the Netherlands in 1961, explores the treatment of Dutch Jews after World War II. Kit de Waal, chair of the fiction prize judging panel, called it ”a masterful blend of history, suspense and ancient authenticity…a classic in the making.”
Van der Wouden revealed during her acceptance speech that she is intersex, stating that this fact defined her life until she advocated for the healthcare she needed. She acknowledged the trans community’s fight for healthcare, laws, and societal standards, saying she stands on their shoulders.
Clarke’s The story of a Heart intertwines the story of two children connected by a heart transplant with the history of heart surgery. Kavita Puri, chair of the nonfiction judges, praised Clarke’s book as “authoritative, gorgeous and compassionate,” highlighting the humanity shining through the dedication of NHS workers and the selfless act of organ donation.
At the London ceremony, Bernardine Evaristo received the outstanding contribution award, celebrating the Women’s Prize’s 30th anniversary. Evaristo, previously shortlisted for her Booker-winning novel Girl, Woman, other, said the £100,000 achievement prize ”more than makes up for it.”
“The Safekeep is that rare thing: a masterful blend of history, suspense and historical authenticity … a classic in the making.”
“This is a book where humanity shines through on every page, from the selfless act of the parents who gift their daughter’s heart in the depths of despair, to the dedication of the NHS workers.”
What’s next
Both winning books are expected to see increased sales and attention, further highlighting the importance of the Women’s Prize in recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements in fiction and nonfiction.