ARA HISTORICAL NOVEL PRIZE 2025

The Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA), in conjunction with its generous sponsor ARA Group, is delighted to announce the winners of the richest individual literary prize in Australasia with prize monies of $155,000 across the Adult and the Children & Young Adult categories. In addition, the winner of the inaugural Readers’ Choice Award receives $5,000.

HNSA Chair, Elisabeth Storrs, says,’This year’s results demonstrate the versatility of the genre to draw readers into richly imagined worlds stretching from the Holy Roman Empire through to Australia’s colonial past and onto WW2 France. Each author’s distinct voice resonates with their novels as they explore very different facets of untold history with stories of courage, intrigue, trauma and folklore.’

The ARA Historical Novel Prize has been made possible through the generous patronage of ARA Group. Founder Edward Federman, says, ‘I am proud to support The ARA Historical Novel Prize, which continues to celebrate excellence in writing in this increasingly popular genre. I congratulate all the talented winners of the 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize.’