Rebecca Perry’s compelling novel, “May We Feed The King,” has been declared the recipient of the 2026 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, marking a significant moment for the author and the literary world. Hailed as a “wildly original and moving reflection on history,” the book captivated Waterstones booksellers across the nation, earning the coveted award during an elegant evening ceremony held at the Waterstones flagship store in London’s iconic Piccadilly area on Thursday. The win saw Perry’s debut novel triumph over a robust shortlist of six highly acclaimed new works, solidifying its place as a standout entry in contemporary fiction.
The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, an annual fixture in the UK literary calendar, is designed to champion new voices and bring exceptional first novels to a broader readership. The prize is unique in that its winner is selected by the collective expertise and passion of Waterstones’ booksellers, lending it a particular prestige within the industry. Their discerning judgment is often seen as a strong indicator of a book’s potential to resonate deeply with readers and achieve commercial success. The 2026 award ceremony, attended by prominent figures from the publishing world, critics, and authors, underscored the importance of nurturing emerging talent and celebrating the innovative spirit of debut authors.
Bea Carvalho, Waterstones’ head of books, expressed immense enthusiasm for the selection, stating, “We are delighted to announce that Waterstones booksellers have named Rebecca Perry the winner of the 2026 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize. From a shortlist of six stunning debuts, ‘May We Feed the King’ stood out for its crisp, cool prose and its playfully enigmatic approach to storytelling.” Carvalho’s remarks highlighted the novel’s distinctive literary qualities, emphasizing its fresh narrative style and engaging thematic depth. She continued, "With a poet’s eye for detail and a keen sense of humour, Perry grapples with the slippery nature of memory and the burden of power. To read ‘May We Feed the King’ is to creep behind the scenes of a museum and witness its exhibits come to life. It is a delicious and dream-like tale steeped in curiosity and nostalgia, and a heartfelt ode to history and its custodians. Rebecca Perry is an author to be seriously excited about, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.” This glowing endorsement from a key figure within Waterstones signals a strong commitment from the bookseller to champion Perry’s future literary endeavours.
About the Winning Novel: “May We Feed The King”
“May We Feed The King” is described by its organisers as a narrative that “moves playfully between a curator in the present day, and the medieval king whose rooms she is recreating.” This intricate structure allows Perry to explore the intersections of past and present, challenging conventional notions of historical narration. The novel delves into profound themes, including the subjective nature of memory, the weight of historical legacy, and the often-unseen lives of those who preserve and interpret the past. Its unique premise, combining contemporary insight with historical reconstruction, offers readers a thought-provoking journey into the heart of human experience and the enduring power of narrative. The book’s capacity to blend historical inquiry with imaginative storytelling has clearly resonated with the booksellers, who lauded its intellectual depth and emotional resonance.
Author’s Perspective and Artistic Vision
Rebecca Perry, a London-born author, brings a rich background in poetry and creative non-fiction to her debut novel. Prior to “May We Feed The King,” Perry had already garnered critical acclaim for two poetry collections, “Beauty/Beauty” and “Stone Fruit,” as well as a work of creative non-fiction titled “On Trampolining.” This diverse literary foundation is evident in her novel’s lyrical prose and nuanced thematic exploration.
Commenting on her creative process and intentions behind “May We Feed The King,” Perry articulated, “In writing this book, I wanted to press at the edges of both historical fiction as a genre, and how we narrate history, testing what gives and what holds.” This statement underscores her ambition to push conventional boundaries and engage in a dialogue with established literary forms. She further elaborated, “But I also wanted to explore the capacities of loneliness and imagination, and ultimately what happens when a person defies what is expected of them, refusing to step into the tyranny of power.” Perry’s insights reveal a sophisticated engagement with character psychology and societal structures, hinting at the novel’s layered complexity and its potential to provoke deep reflection in readers. Her background as a poet undoubtedly contributes to the "crisp, cool prose" and "poet’s eye for detail" noted by Bea Carvalho, imbuing the historical narrative with a distinct lyrical quality.
The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize: A Catalyst for New Talent
The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize is more than just an award; it is a significant launchpad for emerging authors. For winning, Rebecca Perry receives a prize of £5,000, a substantial financial boost that can support future writing endeavours. Crucially, the prize also includes Waterstones’ unwavering commitment to her writing career. This commitment extends beyond a mere monetary award, encompassing extensive marketing and promotional support across Waterstones’ extensive network of stores and online platforms. Such backing from a major bookseller can be transformative for a debut author, providing unparalleled visibility and a direct connection to a vast readership.
The prize aims to identify and elevate debut authors whose work demonstrates exceptional originality, literary merit, and potential to captivate a broad audience. Unlike many other literary awards judged by panels of critics or academics, the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize leverages the collective knowledge and passion of its booksellers. These booksellers, who interact daily with readers and possess an intimate understanding of literary trends and public tastes, are uniquely positioned to identify novels that will truly resonate. This ground-up selection process imbues the prize with a strong sense of authenticity and commercial viability, making it a highly influential accolade within the publishing industry.
A Strong Precedent: The Success of Previous Winners
The impact of the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize is exemplified by the success of its previous winners. Last year’s recipient, Lucy Steeds, for her novel “The Artist,” went on to achieve remarkable recognition. “The Artist” was crowned Waterstones’ August Fiction Book Of The Month and concluded 2025 by being named the prestigious Waterstones Book of the Year. This trajectory underscores the predictive power of the Debut Fiction Prize and its capacity to identify books that will not only achieve critical acclaim but also widespread popularity. The success of “The Artist” serves as a compelling precedent for “May We Feed The King,” suggesting a similar path towards significant literary and commercial triumph for Rebecca Perry’s novel. This history of success highlights the prize’s effectiveness in introducing enduring literary works to the public.
The Shortlist: A Showcase of Emerging Talent
The selection of “May We Feed The King” came after a rigorous evaluation process that saw it emerge from a highly competitive shortlist. The six books vying for the 2026 prize represent a diverse and exciting array of new voices in fiction. The other shortlisted titles included:
- “Lost Lambs” by Madeline Cash
- “Honey In The Wound” by Jiyoung Han
- “Under Water” by Tara Menon
- “A Private Man” by Stephanie Sy-Quia
- “The Infamous Gilberts” by Angela Tomaski
Each of these novels had already garnered significant attention and praise, making the competition for the top honour particularly fierce. The inclusion on such a prestigious shortlist itself provides a significant boost to an author’s career, drawing attention from readers, critics, and other industry professionals. It validates their work and often leads to increased sales and wider recognition, even for those who do not ultimately win the grand prize.
Broader Implications for the Literary Landscape
Rebecca Perry’s win is expected to have a profound impact on her burgeoning career. Beyond the financial reward and the promotional push from Waterstones, the accolade positions her as a significant new voice in contemporary fiction. This recognition will likely lead to increased sales of “May We Feed The King,” generate further critical reviews, and potentially open doors to international publishing deals and film adaptation rights. For readers, the prize signals a novel of exceptional quality and originality, prompting many to discover Perry’s unique literary style.
Furthermore, the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize plays a crucial role in shaping the broader literary landscape. By highlighting exceptional debut works, it encourages publishers to invest in new authors and diverse narratives. It also offers a valuable guide for readers navigating the vast and often overwhelming market of new releases, ensuring that truly innovative and well-crafted stories receive the attention they deserve. Waterstones, as one of the UK’s leading booksellers, possesses significant influence over public reading habits, and their endorsement through this prize carries substantial weight. The success of the prize in identifying future bestsellers and award-winners underscores its vital contribution to the vitality and evolution of modern literature.
In an era where the publishing industry is constantly seeking fresh perspectives and engaging storytelling, the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize serves as a beacon, celebrating the audacity and artistry of new authors. Rebecca Perry’s “May We Feed The King,” with its innovative approach to history and its exploration of fundamental human experiences, stands as a testament to the enduring power of fiction to enlighten, entertain, and provoke thought. The literary world eagerly awaits to see the further impact of this remarkable debut and the trajectory of Rebecca Perry’s promising career.
