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CD Rose has been awarded the 2025 Goldsmiths Prize for his novel 'We Live Here Now', which judges described as “hilarious and deeply haunting.” Now in its 13th year, the £10,000 prize celebrates “mould-breaking” works of fiction. The announcement was made during a ceremony in central London on Wednesday evening. Originally from Manchester and currently living in Hebden Bridge, Rose has written four previous books. 'We Live Here Now' marks his first appearance on the Goldsmiths shortlist. The novel, told through interconnected short stories, examines the aftermath of the mysterious disappearances of visitors to an art installation. Amy Sackville, chair of judges and senior lecturer in creative writing at Goldsmiths, University of London, described the winning novel as “a book about what art is and what it does (or doesn’t do).” Author and fellow judge Simon Okotie described 'We Live Here Now' as “a dizzying, encyclopaedic series of stories linked by texture, resonance and suggestion.” He noted that the book explores “the invisible circuits and networks – of love, capital and war – that shape our contemporary lived experience.” Tanjil Rashid, culture editor at the New Statesman, which co-runs the prize, praised Rose’s work, saying his “dazzling and strange fictions reveal his incredible gift for writing,” and added: “I’m so glad he is receiving the recognition and readership he deserves so early in his career.” This year’s judging panel featured novelist Mark Haddon, author of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' and 'The Porpoise', alongside writer Megan Nolan, author of 'Acts of Desperation' and 'Ordinary Human Failings.' The other shortlisted authors included Colwill Brown for 'We Pretty Pieces of Flesh', Yrsa Daley-Ward for 'The Catch', Sarah Hall for 'Helm', Ben Pester for 'The Expansion Project', and Charlie Porter for 'Nova Scotia House'. The prize was open to novels published between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025, written in English by citizens of the UK or Ireland, or authors who have lived in either country for at least three years and had their work published there. Past winners of the award include Eimear McBride, Ali Smith, and Isabel Waidner. Last year, Rachel Cusk took home the prize for her novel 'Parade.
