British Book Awards 2023: Get The Full List of 2023 Winners
by Swetha P | Updated May 20, 2023
British Book Awards 2023
The British Book Awards 2023, formerly known as the National Book Awards, is a prestigious literary event that recognizes outstanding UK writers and their works. Administered by The Bookseller, these awards have a rich history of celebrating literary excellence. In 2017, The Bookseller acquired the National Book Awards and reinstated the original name, The British Book Awards or Nibbies, honoring its legacy.
The 2023 ceremony took place at the elegant Grosvenor House in London and was a star-studded affair. Hosted by Lauren Laverne and Rhys Stephenson, the event showcased the remarkable talent and diversity within the publishing industry. Winners were awarded the iconic golden nib-shaped trophy, symbolizing their literary achievement.
The British Book Awards 2023 highlighted exceptional books across various categories, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, lifestyle to illustrated works. It recognized the power of literature in sparking important conversations on mental health, misogyny, sexuality, gender, and the menopause. These awards celebrated both established and debut authors, as well as the dedication of publishers in bringing remarkable narratives to readers worldwide.
2023 British Book Awards Winners
The winners of the 2023 British Book Awards were announced at a glamorous ceremony held at Grosvenor House in London. Hosted by Lauren Laverne and Rhys Stephenson, the event celebrated the outstanding achievements in the book industry. Bonnie Garmus emerged as a big winner, as her debut novel Lessons in Chemistry received five nominations and garnered significant attention.
However, the coveted Overall Book of the Year award went to Menopausing, written by Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter. This book not only won the Non-Fiction Lifestyle & Illustrated Book of the Year category but also stood out as the best book of the year. Philip Jones, the Chair of the British Book Awards judges and The Bookseller’s Editor, emphasized the diversity of titles recognized this year.
From Menopausing to Tyger to I'm a Fan, the books covered a wide range of themes including mental health, misogyny, sexuality, gender, and the menopause. He praised the book industry for its commitment to promoting all types of reading for all types of readers, underscoring the industry's role in generating important conversations.
Alice Oseman, the creator and illustrator of the Heartstopper series, was recognized as the Illustrator of the Year for 2023. Her work was commended for building a devoted fan community and for amplifying diverse voices for a younger audience. This was her fourth nomination, having been shortlisted for Heartstopper in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
Alice O'Keeffe, the Chair of the Book of the Year Judges and Books Editor, expressed admiration for the judges' task of selecting winners from the strong shortlists. The winners spanned various genres, including mind-expanding fantasy, cerebral crime, heartfelt memoirs, and life-changing advice on menopause. O'Keeffe celebrated these remarkable books and acknowledged the dedication of publishers in bringing them to readers around the world.
The British Book Awards
The British Book Awards ceremony was held this evening at the prestigious Grosvenor House in London. The event, hosted by the charismatic Lauren Laverne and CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson, was a dazzling affair filled with stars from the literary world. The glamorous venue set the perfect backdrop for the celebration of outstanding achievements in the book industry.
The ceremony showcased the remarkable talent and diversity of the publishing world, with categories honoring a wide range of genres and themes. The Overall Book of the Year award went to the highly acclaimed Menopausing by Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter.
The event was attended by prominent figures in the industry and the winners were chosen from strong shortlists, highlighting the exceptional narratives and dedication of publishers in bringing these books to readers everywhere. The British Book Awards ceremony was a night to remember, celebrating the power of literature and its ability to spark meaningful conversations.
Full British Book Winners List
Fiction Book of the Year:
Babel by R.F. Kuang garnered recognition for its ability to resonate with a wide range of readers. The book stood out among other highly anticipated titles, such as Young Mungo and Stephen King's Fairy Tale. With its captivating storytelling and diverse appeal, Babel became a deserving winner in this category.
Debut of the Year:
Louise Kennedy's Trespasses, an extraordinary work by an older debut novelist, captured attention with its exquisite writing style. The novel surpassed tough competition from books like Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola, impressing the judges with its unique voice and literary merit.
Non-Fiction: Lifestyle & Illustrated Book of the Year:
From a highly diverse shortlist, Menopausing by Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter emerged as a trailblazing and honest exploration of menopause. The book triumphed over established publishing stalwart Jamie Oliver's One and The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg, showcasing its innovative approach and importance in addressing a significant topic.
Non-Fiction: Narrative Book of the Year:
Super-Infinite by Katherine Rundell took home the award for its captivating biography of John Donne. The judges acknowledged the book's accessibility, intriguing narrative, and remarkable publishing journey. It surpassed memoirs by notable personalities such as Matthew Perry, Edward Enninful, and Alan Rickman, solidifying its place as a standout in the genre.
Crime & Thriller Book of the Year:
Janice Hallett's The Twyford Code was hailed for its distinctiveness within the cozy crime genre and its high-concept storytelling. The book rose above tough contenders like Murder Before Evensong by Reverend Richard Coles and The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman, showcasing its gripping plot and unique perspective.
Discover Book of the Year:
I'm a Fan by Sheena Patel received the prestigious Discover award for its innovative and collaborative approach between the author and publisher. The judges recognized the book's ability to captivate readers with its fresh ideas and creative execution, establishing it as a noteworthy addition to the literary landscape.
Pageturner of the Year supported by TikTok:
Verity by Colleen Hoover claimed the Pageturner award for its irresistible and addictive storytelling that captured the attention of TikTok users. The book was praised for its ability to keep readers engaged with its twists, emotions, romance, and gripping family drama, cementing its status as a true pageturner.
Children's Fiction and Non-Fiction Books of the Year:
The judges selected Tyger by SF Said, illustrated by Dave McKean, as the Children's Fiction Book of the Year. The book's innovative and visually impactful storytelling impressed readers and experts alike, earning recognition as a modern masterpiece. In the Non-Fiction Kids category, A Better Day by Dr. Alex George, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, resonated with its superb publishing quality and heartfelt message, showcasing the author's genuine dedication to making a positive impact.
Children's Illustrated Book of the Year supported by LoveReading4Kids:
Harry Woodgate's Grandad's Camper received the Children's Illustrated Award for its ability to convey important messages while celebrating diverse voices. The book's beautifully crafted story about love, adventures, and cherished memories left a lasting impression, capturing the hearts of both young readers and critics.
Audiobook: Fiction Book of the Year:
Douglas Stuart's Young Mungo, narrated by Chris Reilly, was praised for its exceptional audiobook adaptation. The authentic use of dialect elevated the storytelling experience, showcasing the power of audiobooks in enhancing the overall reading experience and immersing listeners in the narrative.
Audiobook: Non-Fiction Book of the Year:
Richard E. Grant's memoir
British Book Awards 2023 - FAQs
Babel by R.F. Kuang.
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy.
Menopausing by Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter.
Super-Infinite by Katherine Rundell.
The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett.