"The Memory of Love" Makes Orange Prize Longlist

[Wilhelmina]

Moderator and master poll creator Bill has done it again! Our April discussion book, The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna has been longlisted for the 2011 Orange Prize for fiction. This prize is awarded for the best novel of the year written by a woman in the English language.

Other books by authors of color on the list include Lyrics Alley by Leila Aboulela of Sudan and The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives: A Novel by Lola Shoneyin, a British/Nigerian author.

The whole list can be found here:
http://www.orangeprize.co.uk/prize.html

[William]

Seems that I'm gonna have to put in a bit more leg work in the coming months since the Borders bookstore one block from my office is closing. (I don't understand the corporate policy because it certainly is the busiest location I've ever visited) No more leisurely lunch hours perusing new arrivals....

[Toni]

I am excited by the Orange prize list. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives: A Novel was a really fun read.
William, I work at a Borders that will soon close and know how you feel. Chances are the rent being charged at that location prohibit them from being profitable.

[William]

Ahhh..since I remember you saying that you were a DC native in the Heavens discussion, you probably work at that very bookstore..in the high rent district...I will really miss it.

[Toni]

I live in Georgia now and work at a store in another high rent district, but I know the store you're talking about. Like ours, it was thought to be immune to closing, so it is really sad.

[Hazel]

And, I've just stumbled across this news. Congratulations to Ms Forna.

[Wilhelmina]

The Commonwealth Writers' Prize! Great! Thanks for letting us know, Hazel.