Acclaimed Jamaican author Marlon James is once again in the running for one of literature’s highest honors after his latest novel, The Disappearers, was named to the 2026 Booker Prize longlist, placing him in contention to become one of the few writers ever to win the prestigious award twice.
James, who made history in 2015 as the first Jamaican to win the Booker Prize for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings, now returns to the competition with The Disappearers, a novel that explores themes of identity, memory, homophobia and queer life in Jamaica. If successful, he would join an elite group of authors to have captured the Booker Prize on two occasions.
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The 2026 longlist, often referred to as the “Booker Dozen”, features 13 novels selected from 163 submissionspublished in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This year’s list includes previous Booker winner Douglas Stuart, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout, and several first-time nominees, reflecting what judges described as an adventurous and diverse selection of contemporary fiction.
Judging panel chair Mary Beard praised the longlisted books as works of exceptional originality, describing them as “literary dynamite” for their bold storytelling and willingness to challenge conventional forms of fiction.
The Disappearers continues James’ reputation for tackling complex and often difficult subjects. Critics have described the novel as an ambitious work that blends psychological depth with elements of mystery while examining questions of belonging, sexuality and personal transformation through a distinctly Jamaican lens.
James has long been regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most influential contemporary writers. Since the publication of John Crow’s Devil in 2005, he has earned international acclaim for works including The Book of Night Women, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Moon Witch, Spider King, and his television crime drama Get Millie Black. His writing is noted for its lyrical style, historical depth and unflinching exploration of Caribbean society.
Winning the Booker Prize in 2015 transformed James into one of Jamaica’s most celebrated literary figures and brought unprecedented global attention to Jamaican fiction. A second victory would further cement his place among the world’s leading novelists and represent another milestone for Caribbean literature on the international stage.
The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist is scheduled to be announced in September, with the overall winner to be revealed in November. Until then, James remains among the leading contenders for an award widely regarded as one of the most prestigious prizes in English-language fiction.
For Jamaica, James’ latest recognition is more than an individual achievement. His continued presence on the global literary stage highlights the enduring influence of Caribbean storytelling and reinforces the region’s ability to produce writers whose works resonate with readers around the world. Should The Disappearers capture the Booker Prize, it would mark another historic chapter for Jamaican literature and further elevate the country’s reputation as a source of internationally acclaimed literary talent.
