In need of reading inspiration? This year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist has just been announced, and there’s something to suit every literary taste.

Among the six contenders are a novel told from the perspective of a dolphin, a modern reimagining of a Charles Dickens classic and a spellbinding period piece set in Renaissance Italy. Out of the six books selected, half of them are debut novels.

The shortlist was whittled down from a longlist of 22 books by a judging panel headed up by broadcaster Louise Minchin, who is joined by novelist Rachel Joyce, journalist and How To Kill Your Family novelist Bella Mackie, novelist and short story writer Irenosen Okojie and MP Tulip Siddiq.

“This is an exquisite set of ambitious, diverse, thoughtful, hard-hitting and emotionally engaging novels,” Minchin said. “A glittering showcase of the power of women’s writing. My fellow judges and I feel it has been a huge privilege to read these novels, and we are delighted to be part of their journey, bringing them to the attention of more readers from across the world.”

The winner will be announced on 14 June, but in the meantime, here’s your guide to the shortlist…

What book to read from the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist, according to your mood