Lucy Steeds' debut novel, The Artist, has been named Waterstones Book of the Year for 2025. The book, set in 1920s Provence, blends mystery and romance, and had previously won the Waterstones debut fiction prize earlier this year.
The story follows English journalist Joseph, who visits a reclusive painter living with his niece, Ettie. Joseph intends to write a profile but ends up becoming the artist's model. A Guardian review described it as "a seductive combination of romance, puzzle and poetry".
Bea Carvalho, Waterstones' head of books, praised the novel as "a gorgeously escapist novel" and called Steeds "a writer of staggering, rare talent". The book has become a word-of-mouth sensation among booksellers.
In other categories, The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please was named children's book of the year, while Padella, a pasta cookbook, won gift of the year. All winners will receive full backing from Waterstones shops across the UK.
The shortlist also included titles by David Attenborough, Suzanne Collins, and RF Kuang. Last year's winner was Butter by Asako Yuzuki.
