Hey folks,Award season for the world of books never seems to really end...as the US 2016 season comes to an end next week with the awarding of the Pulitzer Prize, the Baileys Prize announced its shortlist and the Man Booker International Prize announced its longlist.
The Bailey's shortlist looks great, consisting of the following novels by women from around the world:
Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀̀
The Power by Naomi Alderman
The Dark Circle by Linda Grant
The Sport of Kings by C.E. Morgan
First Love by Gwendoline Riley
Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien
I have already written glowing words about Thien's marvelous novel about the Chinese Cultural Revolution, and I think winning the Giller and Governor General Prize (plus being shortlisted for the Booker last year) has confirmed its greatness. Not sure it needs to win this, but happy it continues to find praise.
I have a copy of The Sport of Kings on my Kobo and this book about racism and horse racing has gotten lots of love, so would not be surprised if it came out on top.
My pick at this point, though, is Naomi Alderman's dystopic Atwoodian novel, set in a world where teenage girls have the power to cause immense physical pain to others. It has gotten tons of good reviews and seems to be on point with the political and cultural zeitgeist of the moment.
I will be trying to finish at least these two (in addition to having already read DNSWHN) before the prize is handed out in June.
Hope others do to.
