Rebecca Perry has won the 2026 Waterstones debut fiction prize for her novel May We Feed the King, a delicious and dream-like tale that captivates readers with its poetic prose and intricate storytelling. Chosen from a shortlist of six novels, this award celebrates the year's outstanding debut fiction across all genres, voted for by Waterstones booksellers.
About the Prize-Winning Novel
May We Feed the King follows a present-day curator who dresses rooms in historic houses, becoming obsessed with a medieval king's reluctant rule. The narrative unfolds in parallel, blending historical fiction with modern introspection. Melissa Harrison, in her Guardian review, called it "a highly wrought puzzle-box of a book which deliberately wrongfoots the reader at every turn" and said it "richly rewards those who approach it with curiosity."
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Key Themes and Style
Perry, a poet and author from London, brings a poet's eye for detail and a keen sense of humor to the novel. Waterstones head of books Bea Carvalho praised Perry's "crisp, cool prose" and noted the book is "steeped in curiosity and nostalgia." The story grapples with the slippery nature of memory, the burden of power, and what happens when a person defies expectations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | May We Feed the King |
| Author | Rebecca Perry |
| Prize | Waterstones debut fiction prize 2026 |
| Prize Money | £5,000 |
| Genre | Historical fiction / literary fiction |
Why This Novel Stands Out
Perry's background in poetry—she has published two collections, Beauty/Beauty and Stone Fruit, and been shortlisted for the TS Eliot prize—shapes her unique voice. The novel explores historical fiction as a genre and how we narrate history, alongside themes of loneliness and imagination.
- Poetic prose that elevates every scene
- Dual narrative weaving present and past
- Thought-provoking exploration of power and memory
- Award-winning debut recognized by booksellers
FAQ
What is the Waterstones debut fiction prize?
The Waterstones debut fiction prize is an annual award voted for by Waterstones booksellers, recognizing the year's outstanding debut fiction across all genres. Winners receive £5,000 and ongoing support for their writing career.
Who is Rebecca Perry?
Rebecca Perry is a London-based poet and author. She has published two poetry collections, Beauty/Beauty and Stone Fruit, and was shortlisted for the TS Eliot prize. Her debut novel May We Feed the King won the 2026 Waterstones debut fiction prize.
What is May We Feed the King about?
The novel follows a present-day curator who dresses rooms in historic houses and becomes obsessed with a medieval king's story about his reluctance to rule. It explores historical fiction, memory, and the burden of power.
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