In a groundbreaking moment for literary history, Helen Garner has shattered conventions by becoming the first author to win the prestigious 2025 Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction with a collection of diaries. Her work, How to End a Story, isn’t just a book—it’s a raw, unfiltered journey through decades of her life, blending the intimate, the intellectual, and the mundane in a way that’s both addictive and profoundly human. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a collection of personal diaries truly rise to the level of nonfiction mastery? The judges think so, unanimously hailing Garner’s work as a masterpiece of honesty, wit, and meticulous observation. Yet, this victory isn’t without its shadows. The Baillie Gifford Prize itself has become a lightning rod for debate, with critics slamming its sponsor, Baillie Gifford, for investments in fossil fuels and companies tied to Israel. Last year’s winner, Richard Flanagan, even refused the £50,000 prize money until the firm addressed its environmental impact—a bold stance that sparked a broader conversation about ethics in literary awards. Garner’s win, meanwhile, cements her legacy as one of Australia’s most celebrated authors, though this is her first major UK accolade. From her sharp-eyed explorations of domestic life to her unflinching moral inquiries, Garner’s work has always pushed boundaries. How to End a Story is no exception, spanning 832 pages that trace her bohemian days in 1970s Melbourne, a tumultuous love affair in the 1980s, and the heart-wrenching collapse of her marriage in the 1990s. Robbie Millen, chair of the judges, called it ‘a big book, but one you never want to end.’ And this is the part most people miss: Garner’s diaries aren’t just personal reflections—they’re a mirror to society, capturing the essence of human experience with a clarity that’s both devastating and exhilarating. Critics have raved, with Rachel Cooke in The Observer declaring them ‘the greatest journals since Virginia Woolf’s.’ But what do you think? Does Garner’s work deserve this honor, or is the Baillie Gifford Prize losing its luster amid ethical controversies? Let’s debate—because while Garner’s diaries may end, the conversation around them is just beginning.
