The Mookse and the Gripes discussion
note: This topic has been closed to new comments.
Booker Prize for Fiction
>
2023 Booker Prize speculation
Oh dear, contrarian corner for me again as I was less impressed with The New Life.
Your review, RC, makes me want to read this just as much as GY's.
David wrote: "Your review, RC, makes me want to read this just as much as GY's."Good! I hate putting people off reading a book when our opinions are all subjective and contingent. I'd love to hear what you think about it.
The book I'd love to see on the lists is Fire Rush by Jacqueline Crooks - though it may be more WP than Booker, depending on the judging panel.
Mohamed wrote: "“Hungry Ghosts” by Kevin Jared Hosein“Birnham Wood” by Eleanor Catton
“Close to Home” by Michael Magee
Theses 3, I might say."
I have just reviewed Hungry Ghosts
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Very impressive but some quick thoughts …
It feels like more of an International Booker than a Booker book
I think some readers will not want to read the book due to the violence to animals - I know this is a red line for a number of people
Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer wrote: "Mohamed wrote: "“Hungry Ghosts” by Kevin Jared Hosein“Birnham Wood” by Eleanor Catton
“Close to Home” by Michael Magee
Theses 3, I might say."
I have just reviewed Hungry Ghosts
https://www.go..."
Great review! You precisely articulated some of my thoughts - better than I can.
Will be interesting to see the various reactions to it in time...
So... I've been on Goodreads for a few years. I lurk here and on a few other groups. Never posted before today. Just wanted to say thanks for being early readers. This book was delayed multiple times, so it's exciting to see discussion.My agent, who loves his dogs very much, never looked at me the same after reading 'Hungry Ghosts'. Suffice it to say, he made the wise decision of toning down the violence. It was much worse.
I, as a dog lover, don't know how I wrote those scenes.
As for Trinidad yielding so many writers as of late, not even the local media can explain. It does help that many of the old school (Merle Hodge, Lovelace, Lawrence Scott, Kamau Brathwaite, Ramchand, not Naipaul!) are/were immediately accessible and encouraging to their base. Many of our writers who live on the island know each other well. Makes things seem more real.
Kevin wrote: "Back to lurking now :)"Hi Kevin!
I didn't realise you are on here. 'Hungry Ghosts' is incredible. How lovely to be able to tell you directly. I have already ordered a few signed copies from Waterstones. I hope it does very well. It really deserves to.
Thanks for popping up to say hello, Kevin. There are a few writers that lurk (and sometimes contribute) among us. It's a reminder that this is a small world, even outside Trinidad.I wondered if leaving Nailpaul off my list was too subtle!
Kevin wrote: "So... I've been on Goodreads for a few years. I lurk here and on a few other groups. Never posted before today. Just wanted to say thanks for being early readers. This book was delayed multiple tim..."Hello Kevin,
I add my voice to Jo's and says that Hungry Ghosts is incredible. I was following the novel for three years for now (when it was titled devotion) and I cannot wait to see it getting all the acclaim it deserves.
By the way, I wanted to know more about Marlee and what happened to her after leaving the funeral.
Thank you, Jo! It's a bit terrifying that it's less than a month away. I've only had low-stakes indie publications before this. I signed those Waterstones editions with a special calligraphy pen, so hope you enjoy those! I'm deeply appreciative.I'll possibly post more in time, David. Thanks for the warm welcome. There's another writer you listed quite infamous among us island dwellers. I met Naipaul as a teen. Not a good experience.
Mohamed, Dalton and his house are loosely based on a real guy here in the 40s. A Scotsman who kept Nazi memorabilia. He left his house to a village girl who couldn't upkeep it. Eventually it was abandoned and looted and torn down. I live 15 minutes away. I can only assume the same for the Changoor estate. Marlee knows survival and loss. She's fair, well-spoken, young and goodlooking in a country that worships all four. For good or bad, she'll be okay.
I appreciate your words and encouragement. Fun fact: we jad to quickly retitle it from 'Devotion' when it was realised Hannah Kent titled her novel the same, and it was releasing a few months before mine.
Kevin wrote: "Thank you, Jo! It's a bit terrifying that it's less than a month away. I've only had low-stakes indie publications before this. I signed those Waterstones editions with a special calligraphy pen, s..."I think it worked out for the best - I prefer 'Hungry Ghosts'.
Hoping to see you at a UK literary event this year (?) so I can listen to you discuss this novel. There is so much to unpack here...
Kevin wrote: "Thank you, Jo! It's a bit terrifying that it's less than a month away. I've only had low-stakes indie publications before this. I signed those Waterstones editions with a special calligraphy pen, s..."Thank you, Kevin for this insightful information. That is impressive to know that the noel has some inspiration from real events.
GY, you made an interesting comment in your review that Hungry Ghosts might resonate more with a typical IBP jury based in part on its lyricism and brutality. There are many, many exceptions, but I typically enjoy longlists for translated prizes more than English languages prizes - although I've never been able to articulate why that is.
Mohamed, it's a pleasure. Another one: the twins' father is based on Boysie Singh, a notorious Trinidadian serial killer from that time. He is much, much more heinous than what I wrote. , I'll be at Edinburgh Festival though not sure yet if virtual or physical. If they're willing to fly me, that'll make me quite happy. There's a couple more like Hays I'm still waiting for confirmation.Jo, I've been invited to Edinburgh and awaiting confirmation for others like Hays. Let's hope they make it physical!
I can tell you my reasoning for the language use in case we don't cross paths again. Creole and Hindi words (and names) were considered dirty, 'backwards' language for the longest while here, while praising prose like Austen, Hardy, Jack London. We learnt new words everyday at school and were taught to write like such. Long lists. Our classic Caribbean books were always glossarised by foreign publishers. In the end, I just wanted to blend the two types of vocabulary. It's always fun to see our words in print.
Bloomsbury really believes in this novel. They believe it will be up for prizes but I'm just glad to showcase Trinidad's interesting history to a wider audience.
Kevin wrote: "I can tell you my reasoning for the language use in case we don't cross paths again. Creole and Hindi words (and names) were considered dirty, 'backwards' language for the longest while here, while praising prose like Austen, Hardy, Jack London. We learnt new words everyday at school and were taught to write like such. Long lists. Our classic Caribbean books were always glossarised by foreign publishers. In the end, I just wanted to blend the two types of vocabulary. It's always fun to see our words in print."I've heard Dionne Brand speak of the same thing. (She grew up on the island.) I'm really looking forward to this book.
Kevin wrote: "Mohamed, it's a pleasure. Another one: the twins' father is based on Boysie Singh, a notorious Trinidadian serial killer from that time. He is much, much more heinous than what I wrote. , I'll be a..."Thank you, Kevin! I googled Boysie Singh and OMG there is a book about him. That is really impressive Kevin, and without any doubt, your novel is extraordinary and will be up for prizes.
It’s lovely to see you in this thread Kevin - already two serious Booker contenders in the thread with you and Derek. Thanks so much for the detail on the language - the blend you achieved really elevates the book and makes it so distinctive.
David - I was conscious that a lot of this group have a preference for the International Booker than the Booker which is why I bought out how I think it’s more like the books we have seen on that long list …… but I think this is a very serious contender for the Mai. Prize this year, I would be disappointed not to see it at least longlisted.
Kevin - thanks for the comments re dogs. Despite my avatar I am not worried about violence to animals in books but I know a few readers who follow my reviews and are (including an ex member of this group who is the one that sets up the Listopia in the first link in this thread - so felt it was worth the comment.
Roman Clodia wrote: "Oh dear, contrarian corner for me again as I was less impressed with The New Life."Leave room for me, with you all the way on this one.
I'm enjoying the Observer debut list vicariously through the reviews from GY and others. Most of them sound like they'd provoke thoughtful discussions with varied perspectives.
Started 'The New Life' by Tom Crewe.It's a first impression... but I absolutely adore it so far. The writing is glorious! It feels like a celebration of literature. Undoubtedly, a book that really has: depth, originality and beauty.
@GY Wow! I want everyone to read this.
New Life is very high on my list to get to (hearing great things about it) also Hungry Ghosts (eager to read as well). Wow already shaping up to potentially be a strong year with some wonderful books out of the gate.
Glad you liked it Jo
I am struggling to see how Eleanor Carton’s new novel will make the long listhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Not really a Booker-book, but for want of a better thread I put it here: I just finished The Guest Lecture - it is a sharp, short and clever campus novel of sorts, full of ideas, that I think people who liked Saint Sebastian's Abyss will enjoy.
Thanks, looks interesting. I don’t read many biographies but one I did read some years ago was Skidelsky’s on John Maynard Keynes, one of the most influential figures of the 20th C.
Paul wrote: "Thanks, looks interesting. I don’t read many biographies but one I did read some years ago was Skidelsky’s on John Maynard Keynes, one of the most influential figures of the 20th C."In fact, he mentions the Skidelsky biography as his main source in the Acknowledgements. I loved the factoid that Keynes was roommates with Virginia Woolf and that she was jealous of him because he wrote just as beautifully, but on top understood politics and economics :)
Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer wrote: "I am struggling to see how Eleanor Carton’s new novel will make the long listhttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
Oh, that's disappointing. But I liked your review.
Finished reading 'The New Life' a masterful piece of writing. 5*There is quite a lot of explicit sexual imagery. Personally, I thought it added to the novel for a variety of reasons. This is no 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.
Stunningly beautiful writing. Complex flawed characters - loved!
The first part of the novel is exceptional but from the moment Oscar Wilde appears on the scene it is elevated to brilliance. I teach some of Wilde's plays and poetry, perhaps why I enjoyed it even more and was able to appreciate the subtle details, for example the cigarette case.
I can't wait for more people to read it so I can discuss it. Hoping Tom Crewe attends a few literary events this year.
Interview with Kevin herehttps://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
I won’t post the link as it’s paywalled and I can’t read the review but the Times review is calling it a deserved Booker Contender.
Thanks for sharing GY.Hungry Ghosts feels like a very special book when you read it.
Just reading Yellowface... not Booker - maybe Women's Prize?
I really don’t know what to make of Yellowface but it will I think appeal to anyone interested in the book industry – and particularly those who enjoy debates in the comments section of Goodreads, book event panels, literary controversies and the resulting Twitter spats. So that sounds like several of us. Can’t see it near Booker though.
GY (also known as Golden face and guilty of species appropriation)
The note I reflect the more I think A Spell of Good Things is a contender - it seems a more mature and impactful book than the author’s debut (which was Women’s Prize shortlisted). There is a stellar (and insightful) review in today’s FT which places it in a wider Nigerian literary tradition.
Yes. Was really interested in A Spell of Good Things. Sadly, I haven't read it as I wasn't approved for this one. Will definitely be reading it when it comes out.
Yellowface sounds interesting and wonder if it will feature on the Women’s Prize although we won’t find out for 13 months. Babel is eligible for this year’s prize.
I know it’s slightly bizarre reading a book in 2022 thinking it’s WP suitable if anything …. But for 2024.
The perils of Netgalley - it's like having a time machine to a parallel reading universe.Rather like a book several of us read in ARC recently where Neil has pointed out that the final version of the book is different to all our reviews - but also completely forgotten that he read the ARC!
Works better for Booker though because
a) the eligibility cut-off is well after the prize longlist date
b) the prize seems to have a predelicition for books not yet published (all the better if the proof is delivered to the judges by an armed guard and requires your soul to be signed away in a cast-iron confidentiality agreement - see under Atwood, M.)
So the only way to get a headstart on the list is to read Netgalleys
Good point, Paul. Goodness 2024... Seems the setting of a futurist sci-fi novel. Agree, Booker Longlist so many novels yet to publish when announcement is made.
I actually wonder if it is disproportionate to the eligibility date or just feels that way. Though as we have discussed on threads for other prizes we often comment how odd it is for prizes to feature books that feel like they were published ages ago, when it is often the prize following the opposite approach and not even opening submissions till post publication.
Paul wrote: "Yellowface sounds interesting and wonder if it will feature on the Women’s Prize although we won’t find out for 13 months. Babel is eligible for this year’s prize."I'd like to see Babel do well but not sure it needs the extra push, definitely the most enjoyable novel I've read in ages. Accessible, engrossing, complex and politically engaged.
Alwynne wrote: "Paul wrote: "Yellowface sounds interesting and wonder if it will feature on the Women’s Prize although we won’t find out for 13 months. Babel is eligible for this year’s prize."I'd like to see Ba..."
I liked Babel a lot, but dont see it featuring on the Booker or Women's Prize.
Reading In Memorium by Alice Winn. Thought it may be a contender before reading it but as much as I am enjoying it (a lot!) I doubt it will be on the Booker LL.
I would love to see Babel on the Booker and WP lists.
I'll have to be the contrarian on Babel. I did not think it was a good book, aside from its correct politics, and it did not make me eager to read Yellowface. Appreciate that others enjoyed it though!
It sounds so very different from Yellowface - she is certainly very versatile. It’s not Booker 2023 eligible though (published in August 2022) - Yellowface is.
Really enjoying Cuddy so far - Ben Myers is overdue a Booker longlisting so maybe this might be the one.
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
The Mookse and the Gripes
Books mentioned in this topic
Matrix (other topics)Elena Knows (other topics)
Falling Animals (other topics)
The Long Form (other topics)
Shy (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Brinda Charry (other topics)Rachel Heng (other topics)
Maithreyi Karnoor (other topics)
Hanna Stoltenberg (other topics)
Maithreyi Karnoor (other topics)
More...
I am going to be surprised if The New Life is not on the Booker longlist
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I agree. So far my top two eligible books are Demon Copperhead (from last fall) and The New Life (from this year).