In a stunning victory that has sent ripples through the literary world, CD Rose has been crowned winner of the 2025 Goldsmiths Prize for his innovative work The Blind Accordionist. The prestigious award, which celebrates fiction that breaks conventional moulds and opens up new possibilities for the novel form, found its perfect champion in Rose's extraordinary creation.
A Triumph for Experimental Storytelling
The judging panel, chaired by acclaimed author Tom McCarthy, unanimously selected Rose's novel from a fiercely competitive shortlist of six works. McCarthy praised The Blind Accordionist as "a work of breathtaking originality that completely reimagines what a novel can be".
Rose receives the £10,000 prize and joins an illustrious roster of previous winners including Eimear McBride, Nicola Barker, and Lucy Ellmann, all recognised for pushing the boundaries of contemporary fiction.
Celebrating Literary Innovation
Established in 2013, the Goldsmiths Prize has become one of Britain's most respected literary awards, specifically honouring works that demonstrate creative daring and innovation. The prize criteria demand that shortlisted novels "break the mould or extend the possibilities of the novel form" – a challenge that Rose's work meets with remarkable ingenuity.
In his acceptance speech, Rose expressed both shock and gratitude, stating: "To be recognised by a prize that specifically celebrates risk-taking in fiction is particularly meaningful. I wrote this book following my own curiosities without considering market forces, and this validation means everything."
The Winning Novel's Unique Approach
The Blind Accordionist has been described by critics as a "multi-layered exploration of memory, music and disappearance" that blends traditional narrative with experimental forms. The novel's structure, which incorporates musical notation, fragmented timelines and unconventional typography, has been hailed as a significant contribution to the evolution of the contemporary novel.
The victory positions Rose as a leading voice in experimental British fiction and ensures that The Blind Accordionist will reach a much wider audience, bringing challenging, innovative writing to the forefront of literary conversation.
