Photo: theguardian.com
Helen Garner's diaries win 2025 Baillie Gifford prize for nonfiction
Helen Garner has won the prestigious 2025 Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction for her diaries, How to End a Story, which provide a vivid account of life in Australia from the 70s to the 90s.
- The Baillie Gifford Prize, awarded annually, recognized Helen Garners How to End a Story for its innovative approach to the diary form and its emotional depth.
- Helen Garners work chronicles her experiences in Melbourne during the bohemian 70s and the tumultuous breakdown of her marriage in the 90s, showcasing her literary prowess.
- Judges praised How to End a Story for elevating the diary genre, drawing comparisons to the influential works of Virginia Woolf and reflecting on personal and cultural narratives in Australia.
Why It Matters
This recognition of Helen Garner not only highlights her contributions to the literary landscape but also underscores the enduring relevance of personal storytelling in understanding cultural history, especially in a vibrant city like Melbourne.