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20. The Tiger's Wife (2011) - Téa Obreht (8)
(GoodReads ranking: 30, equivalent score 7)
Another winner set during recent conflict - this time in the Balkans. This one is far more complex and less linear in its storytelling, which is deeply allusive and metaphorical. Sometimes it flies, other times it confuses a little. Overall one of the more unusual and interesting winners, though.
19. May We Be Forgiven (2013) - A. M. Homes (8)
(GoodReads ranking: 23, equivalent score 7.5)
I enjoy Homes' tales of rather over the top domestic drama quite a lot. This is typically entertaining, if perhaps rather too silly in places. Not my favourite of hers, and a slightly surprising winner in a year with some heavyweight competition, but I'll take it.
18. A Crime in the Neighbourhood (1999) - Suzanne Berne (8.5)
(GoodReads ranking: 29, equivalent score 7)
More tales from American suburbia, but slightly more tightly focused and grounded than the above. One of my favourite of the early winners, with a really strong atmosphere and some great characters.
17. Small Island (2004) - Andrea Levy (8.5)
(GoodReads ranking: 11, equivalent score 8)
Another very popular winner, which took home a (somewhat premature, in my opinion) 'best Women's Prize winner' award in 2005. It's extremely readable and covers a lot of thematic and historical ground around immigration in Britain.
16. Bel Canto (2002) - Ann Patchett (8.5)
(GoodReads ranking: 16, equivalent score 8)
A book that begins in the mould of a conventional thriller, but develops into more of an exploration of relationships at close quarters. Rather too enthusiastic about the powers of opera for my tastes, it's an otherwise masterful and engaging work.
15. Larry's Party (1998) - Carol Shields (8.5)
(GoodReads ranking: 21, equivalent score 7.5)
A more domestic, relationship-focused affair than many of the other winners, I enjoyed its slightly out-of-time vibe and sense of humour.
14. An American Marriage (2019) - Tayari Jones (8.5)
(GoodReads ranking: 14, equivalent score 8)
A powerful yet understated look at race-based injustice in the US and its impact on a relationship. Not quite up to the stunning sequence of winners that followed in the early 2020s, it's nonetheless still an excellent winner.
13. When I Lived in Modern Times (2000) - Linda Grant (9)
(GoodReads ranking: 27, equivalent score 7)
A wonderfully atmospheric period piece, focusing on the establishment of the Jewish state in Palestine. While possibly lacking in multiple perspectives, it's still a compelling read from a master of the craft. Something of a shock winner, beating the much-hyped (and excellent) White Teeth to the prize.
12. The Lacuna (2010) - Barbara Kingsolver (9)
(GoodReads ranking: 17, equivalent score 7.5)
Thus far the only two-time winner of the Women's Prize, Kingsolver's first bite of the apple is just as enjoyable as her later epic, a grand historical sweep taking in Frida Kahlo, the McCarthy witch-hunts and other such good stuff. Another surprise winner, in this case pipping Wolf Hall.
11. Home Fire (2018) - Kamila Shamsie (9)
(GoodReads ranking: 10, equivalent score 8)
Based on Sophocles' Antigone, but transplanted to a modern British setting, focusing on two British Asian sisters and their differing responses to their brother joining ISIS. The classical structure lends weight to a gripping contemporary tale, which deftly handles complex topical issues.