Author and poet Rebecca Perry has been awarded the 2026 Waterstones debut fiction prize for her novel, May We Feed the King. The book, lauded by critics as a “delicious and dream-like tale,” was selected from a competitive shortlist of six novels. The Waterstones debut fiction prize celebrates outstanding works of fiction by new authors across all genres.
A Novel of Obsession and History
May We Feed the King centers on a contemporary curator whose professional life involves meticulously staging historical rooms in heritage properties. The narrator’s role is to ensure authenticity, down to the smallest detail, as they describe: “When you see a replica feast scene in the great hall of an old building, I am the person who placed the pomegranates beside the pie.” This meticulous work leads to an escalating obsession with a medieval king, the subject of the curator’s latest project. The novel unfolds in parallel narratives, exploring the king’s own story and his deep-seated reluctance to assume the throne.
Reviewers have described the book as a complex and engaging read. One assessment highlighted it as “a highly wrought puzzle-box of a book which deliberately wrongfoots the reader at every turn.” It was also noted that the novel “richly rewards those who approach it with curiosity.” This intricate structure and thematic depth contributed to its selection for the prestigious award.
The Author and Her Work
Rebecca Perry, a London-based writer, brings a rich background in poetry and creative nonfiction to her fiction. She has previously published two poetry collections, Beauty/Beauty and Stone Fruit, along with several shorter poetry works and a nonfiction book titled On Trampolining. Her poetry has garnered significant recognition, including a shortlisting for the TS Eliot prize, and her debut collection earned the Michael Murphy memorial prize.
Perry’s motivation for writing May We Feed the King stemmed from a desire to explore the genre of historical fiction and the ways in which history is narrated. She also aimed to delve into the themes of loneliness, imagination, and the consequences of defying societal or familial expectations, particularly concerning the “tyranny of power.” This thematic exploration, combined with her distinctive writing style, resonated with the judging panel.
The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize
The Waterstones debut fiction prize, established in 2022, is decided by a panel of booksellers from the Waterstones chain. The award aims to champion emerging literary talent. This year, Perry’s novel was chosen from a shortlist that included:
- Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
- Honey in the Wound by Jiyoung Han
- Under Water by Tara Menon
- A Private Man by Stephanie Sy-Quia
- The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski
Bea Carvalho, Waterstones’ head of books, commended Perry’s achievement, praising her “crisp, cool prose” and reiterating the novel’s “delicious and dream-like tale steeped in curiosity and nostalgia.” Carvalho further elaborated on the book’s strengths, stating, “With a poet’s eye for detail and a keen sense of humour, Perry grapples with the slippery nature of memory and the burden of power.” She concluded by expressing anticipation for Perry’s future work, calling her “an author to be seriously excited about.”
A Growing Legacy
The prize includes a £5,000 award for the author and a commitment from Waterstones to support her ongoing literary career. Previous recipients of the Waterstones debut fiction prize include Tess Gunty for The Rabbit Hutch, Alice Winn for In Memoriam, Ferdia Lennon for Glorious Exploits, and last year’s winner, Lucy Steeds, for The Artist. The award continues to highlight significant new voices in contemporary fiction.
Conclusion
Rebecca Perry’s victory at the 2026 Waterstones debut fiction prize marks a significant milestone in her literary career. May We Feed the King has been recognized for its innovative narrative, elegant prose, and profound exploration of historical memory and personal identity. The award not only celebrates Perry’s talent but also underscores Waterstones’ dedication to nurturing and promoting new authors within the literary landscape.
