The Stowe Center for Literary Activism has awarded the prestigious 2026 Stowe Prize for Literary Activism to Princess Joy L. Perry for her historical novel, This Here Is Love. The prize, which includes a $10,000 cash award provided by The Hartford, will be presented during a ceremony scheduled for September 2026. Details regarding the event, including ticket prices, are yet to be released.
Established to honor literature that promotes social justice and activism, the Stowe Prize can recognize both fiction and non-fiction works. Notably, out of the twelve prizes awarded since its inception, ten have gone to non-fiction books. Recent recipients include Dr. Bettina L. Love for her work, Punished for Dreaming: How Education Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal, awarded in 2023, and Dr. Ruha Benjamin’s Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want in 2022.
The only previous novel to receive the Stowe Prize was Percival Everett’s James: A Novel, awarded last year. This celebrated work reimagined the character Jim from Mark Twain’s classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In a similar vein, Perry’s book addresses the theme of slavery in America, albeit set in the 17th century, contrasting with Everett’s 1830s backdrop.
This Here Is Love tells the story of an indentured servant on a Virginia farm who forms connections with two enslaved individuals. W.W. Norton & Co, the book’s publisher, describes the novel as “a breathtaking, haunting, and epic saga,” highlighting its deep emotional resonance and rich character development.
This marks Perry’s debut novel. In addition to winning the Stowe Prize, it was recognized by The New York Times Book Review as one of the “10 Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025.” The book also appeared on Library Journal’s best books list and was longlisted for the Aspen Words Literary Prize.
In January, the Stowe Center released a shortlist of contenders for the 2026 prize, which included titles such as Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us by Anna Malaika Tubbs, Queen Mother: Black Nationalism, Reparations, and the Untold Story of Audley Moore by Ashley D. Farmer, and Holy Ground: On Activism, Environmental Justice, and Finding Hope by Catherine Coleman Flowers.
In a statement regarding the award, Karen Fisk, executive director of the Stowe Center, emphasized the significance of Perry’s work, noting, “‘This Here Is Love’ is a powerfully written story of love and resistance despite overwhelming oppression.” The selection committee reached a unanimous decision, reflecting the book’s profound impact.
The committee comprised notable figures, including Connecticut’s current state poet laureate, Antoinette Brim-Bell, and several advocates for social and cultural justice, illustrating a robust commitment to recognizing literature that challenges societal norms and fosters understanding.
Perry’s recognition signals a continued focus on literature that not only entertains but also inspires action and reflection on critical social issues. As the literary landscape evolves, works like This Here Is Love play a vital role in shaping conversations around history, identity, and resistance.
