2020 Booker Prize Speculation

[Ella]

I wasn't going to buy any this year. I was going to force myself to wait for the library copies. It will obviously depend on the list, but I feel my excitement rising (and my resolve not to have to build yet another room full of shelves falling). Here's to Monday at midnight GMT!

[John]

So will be 10am Tuesday morning here in Brisbane, Australia then. Gotta set my phone alarm :) We should set up a Zoom chat to share the buzz !

[Ella]

hmmmm - not a bad idea. Anyone else into doing a zoom chat? I have an account and could open a room and just leave it open for a day or so? (Not promising I'll actually take part, but I can open a room for those who want to.)

[Sam]

I know that people get excited and then the list comes out and there is a rush to get all the novels read as soon as possible to keep up with discussions and inevitably, discussions turn into disagreements as competitive natures flare prompting hurt feelings, lost members, and promises to lessen the reading load next time. That doesn't happen here but it is possible and I, since I can't keep up with some of you, plan to take my leisurely time with the list this year like last year,,,savoring it ,,,and mixing in some other planned reads so I am not feeling overwhelmed. Of those I read, I will contribute an opinion, with hopefully, a more considerate thought to the feelings of those who might not share my opinion, and a plan to read other opinions and thoughtfully consider them before I write my disagreement. That is my Booker philosophy 2020.

[John]

Sam wrote: "I know that people get excited and then the list comes out and there is a rush to get all the novels read as soon as possible to keep up with discussions and inevitably, discussions turn into disag..."

Great reminder Sam. This has been my approach to reading a good few of the Womens Prize list novels this year. I got through a good few (but not all), I've throughly enjoyed the discussion here (which from my experience has been mature and open to others' differing reading experiences).

My approach is to read critically but generously, while acknowledging my particular tastes, preferences, life experiences and histories which all filter the reading. If a book really doesn't resonate with me but does with others I become interested in why that is more than feeling any need to assert my view or 'win a debate' on it. I actually very much enjoy finding that a book resonates meaningfully for others (that is the joy of reading and it means that book and author have found a home and connected as it were, what's not to celebrate about that).

If I personally find a book to be not at all interesting I tend to just not comment on it too much. It is this spirit of critical but generous readership that has attracted me to this particular corner of Goodreads.

Part of my enthusiasm this year I think is I've been away as it were from a deep dive into lit fiction for a good few years and doing these prize list reads (and following the recomendations of others here) has been a way for me to jump back in.

[Rosemary]

The Booker dates are what punctuates my year ( how sad is that?) So next Tuesday is a big day. Of the ‘possible’ long list, have only read Apeirogon which I loved. Hilary Mantel looms next. Happy long list reading, everyone.

[Trevor]

Hello everyone! This has been a fun conversation, and I'm excited for next week too. In an effort to prepare for the Booker longlist, I have posted some "Booker Folder Rules" here. These are not really rules, I guess. They are guidelines and reflect the members' thoughts expressed further above on how to make this place welcoming. I think people are doing a great job, so this post is not to correct anyone at this point but rather to remind us of that conversation and to get us all prepared for a fantastic Booker 2020 discussion.

Just so folks know, when the Booker Prize longlist is announced I will make threads for each of the books, as per our usual mode. I will do this as fast as I can, and I hope my Monday afternoon stays flexible for this. If I'm a bit late, I got caught up in a meeting or some work I couldn't move, but I will get them up as soon as I can. I hope it's a good list! Regardless of that, I hope it's a good year to talk about the Booker Prize on The Mookse and the Gripes.

[Trevor]

By the way, I do announce a new policy we will be implementing this year. During the longlist period, please refrain from posting spoilers. I myself have pushed against such a policy in the past, but I think that since you can post your own review of the book and spoiler it up there and in your own comments under your review, it's a good policy to keep this period open for all members to enjoy the conversation surrounding even the books they have not read.

When the shortlist hits, I'm fine with folks posting spoilers in their comments in the books' threads.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

Just started DBC Pierre’s latest book which prompted me to ask the question.

How many past winners have books eligible for the prize. At a quick glance.

Hilary Mantel - obviously
Aravind Adiga
DBC Pierre
Anne Enright -discussed at length on Women’s Prize thread
JM Coetzee - another end to a series like TMATL, Jack, Summer
Graham Swift

Not seen much discussion of many of these as contenders

[Antonomasia, Admin only]

Swift's Here We Are doesn't have reviews from anyone I know, and it looks like many of those up were from when it was on Netgalley early in the year. It doesn't seem to have had a lot of publicity either. Maybe the nostalgic subject matter isn't chiming with the readers who post most on GR? It sounds like a nice escapist literary read for someone who'd like to read about the mid 20th century.

Amnesty by Aravind Adiga has a low average rating on GR of 3.36, and reviews by my GR friends, including one who lives in India, are 3, 3, and 1 star respectively. The subject matter is topical and important, an undocumented immigrant is at risk because of proximity to a crime. But perhaps the writing is not all it could be.

And of Meanwhile in Dopamine City by D.B.C. Pierre, there is literally only one GR review. It's tagged Netgalley, and it's from May, but for whatever reason, it looks like no-one else grabbed it and wrote about it so far. People just haven't read it yet, and Pierre has always seemed to me to be a love-or-hate kind of writer.

[Ang]

Also Roddy Doyle.

I would love to see Coetzee on the list and become first 3-time winner but I don't think that will happen. He notoriously does not get too involved in the required promotion.

Anne Enright - I would love to see Actress on the list.

Adiga, Pierre, and Swift are mixed for me and not having read their current books, I am not sure. If Swift's is anything like Mothering Sunday he'd get my vote too.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

I was underwhelmed with Amnesty - it’s not bad just does not quite work and as you say Anto 3* does seem to be a consensus view. My own thoughts.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Enright was unlucky not to make the Women’s Prize shortlist based on collective views here (we had it on the fringes of the shortlist), although would the Booker jury then want to longlist her?

Coetzee is more of a divisive writer I think - particularly the Jesus series which I recall polarised opinions very strongly when the second book was longlisted. My friend ratings are littered with 1-2 and 5 star reviews.

I am really enjoying the DBC Pierre to my surprise.

In some cases these are authors who perhaps were lucky to win once - I think collectively as a forum for example the Adiga and Pierre books are towards the very bottom of the winner rankings (Hugh - who has read all the winners and is always a voice of moderation - has them I think as 2 of his least favourite 3 winners).

[Ang]

I really don't think the Booker jury will consider what happened on the Women's prize when making their list.

[Ang]

Correction re: Roddy Doyle - it appears Love will not be published until 15th October so should be removed from the Listopia for 2020.

[Antonomasia, Admin only]

Ang wrote: "Correction re: Roddy Doyle - it appears Love will not be published until 15th October so should be removed from the Listopia for 2020."

Just done.

[Chris]

I've been reading all your comments and it's making me look forward even more to the announcement on the 28th :-)

My Booker list is as follows (in no particular order):
1- Catherine Lacey - Pew
2 - Daisy Johnson - Sisters
3 - Ali Smith - Summer
4 - Yaa Gyasi - Transcendent Kingdom
5 - Caoilinn Hughes - The Wild Laughter
6 - Eley Williams - The Liar's Dictionary
7 - Hari Kunzru - Red Pill
8 - David Mitchell - Utopia Avenue
9 - Naoise Dolan - Exciting Times
10 - Evie Wyld - The Bass Rock
11 - Jenny Offill - Weather
12 - Derek Owusu - That Reminds Me
13 - Hilary Mantel - The Mirror and the Light

If it would have been possible to name 16 instead of 13, I would have put Michael Christie - Greenwood, Emily St. John Mandel - the Glass House and Ottessa Moshfegh - Death in Her Hands on it as well.

[Antonomasia, Admin only]

Welcome Chris! Thanks for posting your predictions and hope to see more of you in the discussion threads as well.

[Chris]

Thank you Antonomasia!

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

Transcendent Kingdom is not eligible I think Chris. Not released until March under Booker rules. The rest are very strong suggestions.

[Chris]

That's weird... I spoke to someone from Penguin last week and arranged for a in-store promotion for her book in our shop in September (I work as a bookseller). Last thing I heard it would be published September 17.

[John]

Chris wrote: "I've been reading all your comments and it's making me look forward even more to the announcement on the 28th :-)

My Booker list is as follows (in no particular order):
1- Catherine Lacey - Pew
2 ..."

Like the list, some great contenders here. Many I haven't got to yet (Yaa Gyasi - Transcendent Kingdom I think out in September and looking forward to it). Hearing mixed things about Utopia Avenue, some readers I know and respect suggesting not one of his strongest. I haven't got to Mitchell yet, not even Cloud Atlas (a gap in my recent reading). But I will read it especially if longlisted.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

I was going off Amazon where Viking seem to be publishing in March next year.

But penguin’s website seems to agree with March also

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/315/3...

It’s published in the US in September.

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...

[Chris]

I agree that Utopia Avenue isn't his best novel, but it's a good one nevertheless.

[Jo]

I have pre-ordered Transcendent Kingdom for September. I like your list Chris. Have you read The Red Pill - it's been on my radar but not read it yet. 2020 has been a great year for books. So many great ones!

[Chris]

Gumble's Yard wrote: "I was going off Amazon where Viking seem to be publishing in March next year.

But penguin’s website seems to agree with March also

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/315/3......"

Yes, I've noticed the ambiguity in publishing dates on various websites and I'm really starting to worry now. I've just send an email to my contact at Penguin to ask him about it. Maybe the export edition will be published in September for the European market? That's the case with Love by Roddy Doyle as well for instance.

[Chris]

Jo wrote: "I have pre-ordered Transcendent Kingdom for September. I like your list Chris. Have you read The Red Pill - it's been on my radar but not read it yet. 2020 has been a great year for books. So many ..."

Yes, 2020 has indeed been a great year!
I read The Red Pill some while ago and it's weird and excellent!

[Jo]

Thanks Chris. I have just ordered The Red Pill.

[Chris]

Jo wrote: "Thanks Chris. I have just ordered The Red Pill."

Hopefully, you'll enjoy it just as much as I did!

[John]

Chris wrote: "Jo wrote: "Thanks Chris. I have just ordered The Red Pill."

Hopefully, you'll enjoy it just as much as I did!"

Hmmm looks like Red Pill not available here in Australia until October :(

[Jo]

Does anyone have an opinion on Maggie 'O Farrells's Hamnet? I love her writing. Beautiful prose. I read Hamnet and thought it was well written and a good but of literature. A few days later certain passages kept coming back to me. I was compelled to reread it and it blew me away with how really really good it was. I hope it makes it on to the longlist at the very least.

[Hugh, Active moderator]

We did discuss Hamnet in the Women's Prize folder - that discussion is still open.

[Jo]

Thanks Hugh - I will have a read of it.

[John]

Jo wrote: "Does anyone have an opinion on Maggie 'O Farrells's Hamnet? I love her writing. Beautiful prose. I read Hamnet and thought it was well written and a good but of literature. A few days later certain..."

One of my highlight reads of 2020, just quietly stunning. Very much hope it makes it to the longlist (will be surprised if not) and think it is a real contender.

[Antonomasia, Admin only]

This year is even more tricky than most about publication dates, with so many changes happening. Amazon might be slower to respond and update as well. With all that's been going on they and publishers will have a lot more info to process.

[Antonomasia, Admin only]

Here's a link to that Hamnet thread, in case anyone is still looking for it: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Sam]

Trying to guess publication dates, when and where, is proving daunting. I had recommended Trent Dalton's new book for my library with a summer date advertised and it seems to be on hold with no new date stated. Thankfully, there are plenty of good books from which the judges can choose. Those big delays between publication from one country to the next still bother me though.. The Liar's Dictionary is not scheduled in the states till January. Hamnet was just published here last week.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

Kunzru seems not to have had much look with the Booker - I would regard him as a leading literary author whose books are always very thought provoking but I don’t think he has ever been longlisted? He was an MBI judge a couple of years back.

The Red Pill would certainly make for a very interesting discussion - may depend if the judges are Matrix fans though.

[Jen]

This has been such a great thread to read through! Now I’m getting excited for Monday’s announcement. I’ve read very few contenders on your prediction lists and look forward to digging deeper in to the long list. Availability can be a bit of an issue here in eastern Canada, especially since the library seems to have slow down acquisitions during Covid and NA publication dates are late for many. But I will be cherry picking based on personal preference, your comments, and availability.

Looking forward to joining in your discussions!

[Ang]

Our library system has just recently started allowing borrowing again, by reservation. I'm hoping to acquire a few that way.

[Karen Michele]

I appreciate the "no spoilers" rule/idea. That will help me to be more involved with the longlist.
Also, I'm remembering waiting with my daughter for the midnight Harry Potter releases and how exciting that was. I wonder if that has anything to do with midnight prize announcements? At any rate, I'm glad to be in the US and not have to stay up!

[Hugh, Active moderator]

I have been putting together a spreadsheet containing the lists in this thread (starting with the list Robert put on his blog and linked to @497), and also including the lists from Paul, Tracy, David, Jo, Chris, Gumble's Yard, Jonathan, Nicholas, Ann Helen and me (it is possible there were more earlier in the thread, but it is hard to see the wood for the trees).

These are the nominations with at least 2 nominations (most first):

10 nominations:
Apeirogon by Colum McCann

9:
The Mirror & the Light by Hilary Mantel
That Reminds Me by Derek Owusu
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

8:
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

7:
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

6:
The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld
Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell

5:
Summer by Ali Smith
Rainbow Milk by Paul Mendez

4:
The Wild Laughter by Caolinn Hughes
The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste
The Liar's Dictionary by Eley Williams
The Mermaid of Black Conch by Monique Roffey

3:
A Thousand Moons by Sebastian Barry
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
How Much of These Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang
Pew by Catherine Lacey
Weather by Jenny Offill

2:
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan
Saving Lucia by Anna Vaught
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Glass Hotel by Emily St John Mandel

[Antonomasia, Admin only]

Great idea Hugh, to collect up predictions like this.

[Ella]

This is a great thread everyone. You've all got so many great recommendations and thoughts and reviews.

I was so excited to read Amnesty, but I read it & felt...underwhelmed. I don't even think I gave it any grade beyond "read." I also would very much like to see Kunzru on the list!

In the US at least the phrase "Red Pill" and "Red Pill-ing" have become code for entrance into the far right wing. They talk about it on the "news" and various other non-Matrix places. Of course, the Matrix is the origin, but it's grown larger than that recently. Is that happening anywhere else in the world?

I hope to see Enright on the list. I haven't read Hamnet yet either b/c I didn't buy it & the library has a crazy wait list, but I've not heard anyone who hated it.

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

The Red Pill is about the Alt-Right (as well as German romanticism and the Matrix) so that would make sense.

[Ella]

Ah, OK. I have to say, I feel very out of touch with Europe these days. I've not had time to catch up with many of my UK/Irish friends or family in a while, and when I did finally reach family in N Ireland, we had other things to talk about, so I feel cultural rather stunted and stupid at the moment for anything non-covid or election-based.

Anyone else read Deacon King Kong? I don't know if there was a UK edition? I thought it was awesome, but I'm a big fan, so take it with a grain of salt. I feel sure I saw it on someone's list at some point, but I don't remember who listed it. I also don't know if it's eligible.

I will say that I'm still smarting from Apeirogon. It was the last book I read before the pandemic hit here in full force, and as such, I thought a lot about it for months. I do hope that lands on the list, and if I were a betting woman, I'd put money on that one.

[Hugh, Active moderator]

Amazon UK are still offering a US import for Deacon King Kong, so I suspect it is not eligible

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer]

My predictions are scattered all over the thread back for months Hugh but I think would amount to (based on ones I threw up as strong candidates)

The Mirror and The Light
Hamnet
That Reminds Me
Rainbow Milk
The Shadow King
Apeirogon
Shuggie Bain
The Accomplice
The Mermaid of Black Conch
The Vanishing Half
Summer
The Water Dancer
How Much of These Hills is Gold

[Antonomasia, Admin only]

Ella wrote: "Anyone else read Deacon King Kong? I don't know if there was a UK edition? I thought it was awesome, but I'm a big fan, so take it with a grain of salt. I feel sure I saw it on someone's list at some point, but I don't remember who listed it. I also don't know if it's eligible."

There's an edition from Doubleday on GR scheduled for August which may well be a UK one, though I've not investigated it further yet.

[Hugh, Active moderator]

Antonomasia wrote: "Ella wrote: "Anyone else read Deacon King Kong? I don't know if there was a UK edition? I thought it was awesome, but I'm a big fan, so take it with a grain of salt. I feel sure I saw it on someone..."
You are right, so my mistake. Amazon are showing that too, but not on the initial search result - you have to click on hardcover.

[Ang]

This is a good example where it's not clear when looking at amazon whether it is a UK publication. Waterstones has a Transworld edition for August 6th.