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Rebecca Perry’s ‘May We Feed the King’ shortens for Booker Prize
Rebecca Perry is a major mover in William Hill’s betting to be named the 2026 Booker Prize winner.
The poet and novelist’s ‘May We Feed the King’ has shortened into 7/2 from 5/1 to land the prestigious literary prize and is now a close third favourite in the market behind favourite Maron James’ ‘The Disappearers’ (9/4) and Douglas Stuart’s ‘John of John’ (5/2).
‘The Disappearers’ has been the long-term favourite for the £50,000 prize, but has drifted in the market out to 9/4 having been as short as 6/4.
Despite being among the outsiders for this year’s Booker Prize at 6/1, Luke Kennard’s ‘Black Bag’ is currently the leading bookmaker’s worst result.
The Booker Prize Winner
- Marlon James – The Disappearers – 9/4
- Douglas Stuart – John of John – 5/2
- Rebecca Perry – May We Feed The King – 7/2
- John Harrison – The End Of Everything – 4/1
- Elizabeth Strout – The Things We never Say – 6/1
- Luke Kennard – Black Bag – 6/1
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “Marlon James’ ‘The Disappearers’ has been at the top of our 2026 Booker Prize market for some time, but that position is now uncertain as we head into the final few days before the winner is announced.
“James’ novel has drifted in the betting from 6/4 out to 9/4 and is now only just ahead of Douglas Stuart’s ‘John of John’ at 5/2, while there has been a significant move for Rebecca Perry’s ‘May We Feed the King’ into 7/2, to sit a close third in the market.
“However, the result we fear most from a betting perspective is a win for ‘Black Bag’ by Luke Kennard, despite his novel currently being a 6/1 outsider for this year’s prize.”
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
