S8 Ep16: Bookshelfie: Thangam Debbonaire

Chair of Judges for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, Baroness Thangam Debbonaire explains why the prize is so important; the enduring importance of democracy for women worldwide; and her formative years working in a communist bookshop. 

Thangam is a Labour Member of the House of Lords, where her key interests include arts policy, international cultural partnerships and diplomacy, copyright and AI. A former Labour MP, she served as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from September 2023 until May 2024. Before parliament, Thangam worked for 25 years on the protection from - and prevention of - violence against women and girls, both nationally and internationally. She was recently announced as chair of the judging panel for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, sponsored by Findmypast. 

Thangam’s book choices are:
** The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford
** My Ántonia by Willa Cather
** Democracy: Eleven writers on what it is, and why it matters (ed. Margaret Atwood)
** Looking at Women Looking at War by Victoria Amelina
** My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Vick Hope, multi-award winning TV and BBC Radio 1 presenter, author and journalist, is the host of season eight of the Women’s Prize’s Bookshelfie Podcast. Every week, Vick will be joined by another inspirational woman to discuss the work of incredible female authors. The Women’s Prize for Fiction is the biggest celebration of women's creativity in the world and has been running for over 30 years. 

Don’t want to miss the rest of season eight? Listen and subscribe now!

You can buy all books mentioned from our dedicated shelf on Bookshop.org - every purchase supports the work of the Women's Prize Trust and independent bookshops. 

This podcast is sponsored by Baileys and produced by Bird Lime Media.