Hello Gentle Reader
Today the Booker Prize 2012 Short list was announced. I must admit that for the most part my personal predictions were right. With the added exception that “Philida,” by André Brink did not make the cut, nor did “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry,” by Rachel Joyce which it would appear everyone is talking about. In their place “Swimming Home,” by Deborah Levy had made it on the shortlist as did “Narcopolis,” by Jeet Thayli. For the rest of the most part though, it would appear that my own personal predictions were spot on.
I was not surprised in the least bit to see that Hilary Mantel and her novel “Bringing up the Bodies,” had got on to the Booker Prize Shortlist this year. After winning the prize back in two thousand and nine, for “Wolf Hall,” it did not surprise in the least bit to see the sequel on this list.
I was not surprised to see the independent published novel “The Lighthouse,” by Alison Moore, on the list. When I heard about it and read the blurb and seen the reviews, there was an understanding that this piece of work could match up with the other novelists on the list. Hard to believe though it was a debut piece of work.
It was no shocker that Tan Twan Eng’s “The Garden of the Evening Mists,” that deals with Japan’s war crimes during World War II and its Imperialistic expansion, but also Asian culture and forgiveness, has made it on the short list. His first novel “The Gift of Rain,” was a success and made itself on to the Booker Prize Longlist in two thousand and seven.
“Umbrella,” by Will Self, was at first a bit of surprise when I saw the author on the Booker Prize Longlist. Now however it would appear that Will Self is actually written something that can be placed on the ranks of the Booker Prize Longlist. Not a comical novel with superficiality or absurdist themes, but rather pieces of work that can be placed on the list for its indepth look at modernism, psychiatry and encephalitis lethargica or the sleepy sickness. Though I find the authors use of polyphonic words annoying and pretentious, this time the author has gone past his potential and has come close to truly grasping his abilities as a writer.
This is this year’s Booker Prize Longlist. It looks exciting. I think Hilary Mantel’s “Bring up the Bodies,” is just a honourable mention or at least a public pleasing move, I seriously hope the author does not win the prize. It is most certainly not anything against Hilary Mantel, I think that a new author should win the prize. An author who needs it or deserves it as much if not more.
Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
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M. Mary
