‘The question of choices made in war sits at the core of who I am’

The winner of this year's Women’s Prize for Fiction reflects on theft, crafting a story of same-sex love, and being recognised for writing from the margins

- Saurabh Sharma

On winning the Women’s Prize for Fiction, you note how you stand on the shoulders of queer and trans people before you. Tell us about the significance of the prize for you?

It’s a huge honour, first and foremost. The word “woman” as a possessive for me hasn't always been a straightforward one, but my love for stories always has, as has my appreciation for platforms that elevate stories written from the margins. Being acknowledged in this way and read so kindly by the judges, and by so many people, has been a gift, and fully unreal.

T’ve been reading along with the lists for years and can hardly believe I have a little Bessy [the nickname for the bronze statuette] living in my house now. The other day, I caught a glimpse of my new paperback cover on the counter, and now it has the green circle and the word “Winner” on it. [had my first true “Oh my God” moment where the realisation briefly hit home. And then it was gone, and I went back to peeling ginger.