Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow

Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow is a British writer whose debut novel, All the Little Bird-Hearts, was longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize. Her work is informed by her background as an autistic woman and activities supporting people with autism; her writing is noted for its introspective tone and lyrical style.

Biography Lloyd-Barlow obtained her PhD in creative writing from the University of Kent, with Amy Sackville serving as her doctoral adviser. Lloyd-Barlow's debut novel, All the Little Bird-Hearts, was developed as a result of her PhD studies.

She became the first autistic author to be nominated for a Booker Prize with the novel's longlisting in 2023.

Awards The Booker Prize judging panel stated All the Little Bird-Hearts was a "lyrical and poignant debut novel [that] offers a deft exploration of motherhood, vulnerability and the complexity of human relationships." The novel was awarded the 2024 Authors' Club Best First Novel Award for the most promising debut novel by a UK or Irish based author that is initially published in the UK. Guest judge Samira Ahmed selected the winning work from a shortlist curated by Authors' Club members, with a ceremony being held in May 2024 at the National Liberal Club in London.