May We Feed the King cover art

May We Feed the King

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2026

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May We Feed the King

By: Rebecca Perry
Narrated by: Ian Dunnett Jr., Sarah Barron
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Summary

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2026
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES DEBUT FICTION PRIZE 2026
AN OBSERVER BEST DEBUT NOVELIST 2026
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026

She is a curator, who spends her time dressing the rooms of historic buildings to bring them to life. But in the lush private quarters of a medieval palace, she finds herself so transfixed by the reign of an almost-forgotten King that the edges of her life begin to blur.

He is a reluctant ruler with no hunger for power, rushed to the throne after the untimely deaths of his older brothers. But it isn't long before whispers begin to fly around the court. And with the growing belief that the King is not fit for the throne comes the idea that another might rule in his stead.

May We Feed the King dances between the lives of a historical subject who risks the future of his kingdom and a woman who turns to the past to hide from her present. Laced with desire and longing, it is a playful, stirring meditation on history and storytelling: on what makes a King 'Great', and a life meaningful.

©2026 SNR Audio Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Medieval Science Fiction Royalty
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I found that unless I listened closely I could lose all sense of where the story had just been.

It was beautifully written.

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I was very moved by the entwined stories drawn together with such a light touch. It explores how, through detail and the right silences, we can feel a life.

Immersive journey into a microcosm

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I'd have happily stayed with the Curator for a lot longer and left the King to a smaller role.

Brilliant first act.

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A story told in snippets of medieval court gossip. A book packed with historical detail and intrigue that sets you on a quest for historical truth. Beautiful writing, great narration. Really enjoyed.

A Glorious Puzzle Box

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Fabulous story that looks at the way we perceive and read historical items as a way to understand and communicate the past.

Beautifully crafted story

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