Helen Garner's diaries win the 2025 Baillie Gifford prize for nonfiction, marking a groundbreaking achievement in literary history. The renowned Australian author becomes the first writer to win this prestigious award for a collection of diaries, titled 'How to End a Story'. The £50,000 prize was announced at a ceremony in London, with the judges praising Garner's unique approach to diary writing. They described her work as 'a remarkable, addictive book', highlighting its blend of intimacy, intellectualism, and everyday observations. This recognition comes as a testament to Garner's long-standing reputation for sharp, often unapologetic examinations of domestic life, creativity, and morality. Born in Geelong, Australia, in 1942, Garner's journey from high school teacher to celebrated author is a testament to her dedication and talent. Her previous accolades include the 2023 Australian Society of Authors medal, the 2019 Australia Council award for lifetime achievement in literature, and the 2006 Melbourne prize for literature. 'How to End a Story' offers a captivating glimpse into Garner's life, spanning decades of personal experiences. The judges praised its 'devastating honesty, steel-sharp wit, and ecstatic attention to everyday details'. The book's critical acclaim has been widespread, with Rachel Cooke in the Observer calling it 'the greatest, richest journals by a writer since Virginia Woolf's'. Garner's next project, 'The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Trial', co-authored with Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein, will be published in the UK on November 20th, based on the infamous Erin Patterson mushroom murder trial. The Baillie Gifford prize, however, has faced controversy due to the investment firm's ties to fossil fuels and Israel. Last year, the prize's winner, Richard Flanagan, refused the prize money until the fund manager committed to reducing fossil fuel investments. This led to a significant public backlash and the termination of partnerships between Baillie Gifford and several literary festivals. Despite these challenges, the Baillie Gifford prize remains a prestigious award, attracting a diverse range of books and authors. This year's shortlist includes 'The Revolutionists' by Jason Burke, 'The Boundless Deep' by Richard Holmes, 'Captives and Companions' by Justin Marozzi, 'Lone Wolf' by Adam Weymouth, and 'Electric Spark: The Enigma of Muriel Spark' by Frances Wilson. The judging panel, comprising experts from various fields, selected the winner from over 350 books published between November 2024 and October 2025. Readers can explore the shortlist and purchase 'How to End a Story' at guardianbookshop.com, with delivery charges applicable.
