It's been quite a journey reading the books listed for this year's Booker Prize! I've enjoyed all the discussion and debate about the novels. It's really deepened my appreciation and understanding of them. I was lucky enough to have been invited to the award ceremony last night and give my opinions before and after the winner was announced on the Booker's Livestream with Jack Edwards and Jo Hamya. It was a fantastic night as I also got to chat with Shehan Karunatilaka, Esi Edugyan, Eleanor Catton, Elif Shafak and Chetna Maroo. You can watch my vlog about the evening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSdy1PH7qGw
I truly thought all six books on the shortlist were excellent. My tip to win was “Western Lane”. “The Bee Sting” recently won the Eason Novel of the Year Prize in Ireland and “Study for Obedience” recently won the Giller Prize in Canada. However, the winner of the Booker Prize is “Prophet Song”. It's such a powerful novel with a lot of contemporary and historical resonance. I'm glad more people will be reading and discussing this unsettling and insightful novel.
What do you think about the result? Did your favourite win? I'm looking forward to even more discussion about Paul Lynch's novel and the other books listed for this year's prize.
