Debut novel by Ukrainian Canadian Maria Reva longlisted for prestigious Booker Prize

“Endling,” the debut novel by Ukrainian Canadian author Maria Reva, has been named to the longlist for the Booker Prize — one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards for English-language fiction.

This year’s longlist features 13 works by authors from nine countries across four continents, including both emerging voices and established writers. The judges selected the longlist from over 150 submissions.

“These books explore identity — both personal and national — delve into the past, and challenge our uncertain present,” said Roddy Doyle, chair of the judging panel.

“Endling” tells the story of contemporary Ukraine on the eve of the full-scale invasion. Biologist Eva travels the country in a mobile lab to searc for rare snails. To fund her research, she engages in romantic tourism, meeting men along the way.

Joining Eva are Nastia and Solomiia, and together they embark on a journey with a truck full of kidnapped young men and Lefty — the last of her kind, a rare snail.

The judges praised the novel’s blend of humor and emotional depth:

The jury wrote the following about the novel: “‘Endling’ shouldn’t be funny — but it is. Wild and playful in structure, moving and angry in tone. It explores colonialism, identity, women’s roles, power, helplessness, and the very nature of fiction. Maria Reva tells a compelling, unique story — remarkable for a first novel.”

Born in Ukraine and raised in Canada, Reva’s previous short story collection, “Good Citizens Need Not Fear,” is rooted in memories of the Soviet past, and has won multiple literary awards. 

She also writes librettos for operas, often cooperating with her composer sister, Anna Pidgorna.

The Booker Prize shortlist of six books will be announced on September 23 at a public event at London’s Southbank Center. The winner will be announced on November 10 at a gala ceremony in London.