Booker Prize shortlist has two debut novels and marks a first for all six writers who made the cut

The six titles shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize were announced on Thursday.

First awarded in 1969, the Booker Prize is regarded as the leading award for high-quality literary fiction written in English.

This year marks a first for all six scribes who made the shortlist, which features two debut novels, Chetna Maroo's Western Lane and Jonathan Escoffery's If I Survive You. 

The shortlisted titles are: 

• Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein
• If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery 
• This Other Eden by Paul Harding
• Prophet Song by Paul Lynch 
• Western Lane by Chetna Maroo 
• The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

The winner will be announced at a prize ceremony in London at Old Billingsgate on November 26.