The Orange prize is also unique in having only female judges, this year they are: Fi Glover (chair), Bidisha, Sarah Churchwell, Kira Cochrane and Martha Lane Fox.

Previous winners have included Zadie Smith, Andrea Levy, Helen Dunmore, Anne Michaels, Carol Shields and Rose Tremain.

Key dates for the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction 2009:

Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction shortlist

21 April 2009

Award ceremony

3 June 2009

The winner not only receives a cheque for £30,000 but also a limited edition bronze figurine called the 'Bessie' - created by the artist Grizel Niven.