A Newham doctor-turned writer is in the running for a major literature prize for her first novel, a powerful book about a young woman with a learning disability.
Gloria Don’t Speak, by Newham-based writer and GP Lucy Apps, was inspired by her experiences treating patients with special needs and has been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2026, which was announced this month.
The story follows Gloria, a 19-year-old autistic woman with a learning disability who lives with her mother in east London.
Gloria navigates life with a restless spirit, and when she meets an older man named Jack, she becomes entangled in a violent act that changes her life.
The novel traces her struggle for connection, understanding, and safety as she moves between her mother’s home, the courts, and eventually a group home.
The story draws on Ms Apps’ frontline experience in healthcare and her volunteer work with women who have learning disabilities.
Mona Arshi, a judge for the Women’s Prize, said: "Gloria Don’t Speak by Lucy Apps is a brilliant book.
"It explores themes of violence, exploitation, and agency through the really fresh and original voice of Gloria.
"A powerful book with empathy at its heart."
The novel has been praised for its insight and sensitivity.
Hephzibah Anderson, writing in The Observer, described it as: "A challenging, but tender debut," and called Gloria: "A young woman with a yearning inner life and significant pluck."
Tom Newlands, author of Only Here, Only Now, said: "Gloria Don’t Speak is unflinching and full of heart; a moving story, told with uncommon tenderness, that offers a window to a life rarely found in literature."
Simon Wroe, author of Chop Chop, Here Comes Trouble, and Ghost Month, said: "Lucid and beautifully observed, this story of a vulnerable person navigating the world brims with pinpoint detail and creeping threat.
"A brilliant and assured debut."
Ms Apps was born in east London and trained as a doctor at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry.
She works as a GP and volunteers with women with learning disabilities.
She is the sister of Peter Apps, whose book Show Me the Bodies—a study of the Grenfell tragedy—won the Orwell Prize.
Gloria Don’t Speak is her first novel and has been named one of The Observer’s best debuts of 2026.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction is a globally recognised celebration of female creativity in literature and is sponsored by Audible and Baileys.
This year’s longlist features 16 titles, including nine from independent publishers and seven debuts.
Julia Gillard, chair of judges and former Prime Minister of Australia, described the longlist as: "A treasure trove for readers."
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