ARA Historical Novel Prize 2026 Winners Announced
We believe communities are built on culture, creativity, and the stories that connect us to our shared past.
That belief is why we are proud to support the ARA Historical Novel Prize, presented in partnership with the Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA). The 2026 prize awards a total of $155,000 across the Adult and Children & Young Adult categories and the Readers’ Choice Award.
The prize continues to elevate historical fiction across Australia and New Zealand, rewarding writers who combine research, compelling storytelling, and powerful insights into the people, places, and events that have shaped our world.
Adult Category Winner
The Names of a Hare by Bernice Barry
The 2026 Adult Category Prize was awarded to Bernice Barry for The Names of a Hare, published by Fremantle Press.
The novel follows a woman forced into a life of constant reinvention as she escapes accusations of witchcraft associated with her knowledge of healing and herbal practices.
The Adult judging panel praised the work for its depth, atmosphere, and emotional resonance, describing it as a novel that lingers long after the final page.
Two additional shortlisted authors, Lauren Keenan for The Other Catherine and Fiona Kelly McGregor for The Trap, also received recognition for their outstanding contributions to historical fiction.
Children & Young Adult Category Winner
A Flash in the Dust by Meg Caddy
The Children & Young Adult category was awarded to Meg Caddy for A Flash in the Dust, published by University of Queensland Press.
Set in Western Australia in 1899, the novel explores marginalised histories through the story of young people navigating institutional life, mystery, and injustice. The novel highlights voices often absent from traditional historical narratives.
Judges commended the novel for its compelling characters, suspenseful storytelling, and thoughtful exploration of identity and belonging.
Other finalists recognised in the category included Jackie French for Cleopatra: The Girl Who Would Be King and Clare Hallifax for A House Divided.
The Readers’ Choice Award winner
Henry Goes Bush by Wayne Marshall
The award was presented to Wayne Marshall for Henry Goes Bush, earning a prize of $5,000. This award gives the readers the opportunity to vote for their favourite longlisted adult novel.
The enthusiastic response to the award demonstrates the passion readers have for historical fiction and highlights the important role audiences play in supporting Australian and New Zealand authors.
Congratulations to all winners, shortlisted authors, judges, publishers, and the team at the Historical Novel Society Australasia who made this year’s prize another success.
Why ARA Supports the Arts
As an organisation committed to creating positive and lasting impact, ARA actively invests in initiatives that strengthen communities and enrich cultural life. By sponsoring the ARA Historical Novel Prize, we help amplify voices that preserve cultural memory, challenge perspectives, and bring untold stories to new audiences.
As ARA Group Founder Edward Federman said:
“ARA Group is delighted to support the ARA Historical Novel Prize as it continues to grow its presence in Australian and New Zealand literature. Celebrating authors who add to our shared body of published work is something we value deeply, and the Prize gives their stories to a larger audience. Congratulations to the 2026 winners.”
Entries for the 2027 ARA Historical Novel Prize will open in March 2027.
We encourage readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts to follow the prize and continue celebrating the stories that help us understand our shared past and inspire our collective future.