The Man Booker Prize, 2012

The long list for the 2012 Man Booker Prize has been announced. This prize is one that I watch each year because it helps to identify some of the best literature in English other than American writers. Without it, I’m afraid there are things I’d miss or never hear about. I’ve heard of many of the long-listers this year, but haven’t read any of these books. The shorlist will be announced in September and the winner will be revealed on October 16.

This year’s long list (with links to samples):

Nicola Barker for The Yips

Ned Beauman for The Teleportation Accident

Andre Brink for Philida (No sample available online)

Tan Twan Eng for The Garden of Evening Mists 

Michael Frayn for Skios 

Rachel Joyce for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry 

Deborah Levy for Swimming Home 

Hilary Mantel for Bring up the Bodies 

Alison Moore for The Lighthouse (PDF link)

Will Self for Umbrella

Jeet Thayil for Narcopolis

Sam Thompson for Communion Town