The Golden Booker Prize, Shortlist

Hello Gentle Reader

This year’s Golden Booker Prize, has released its short list. Five different novels and their respective authors, from five decades have been brought forward for the public to vote on, which one, they deem to the worthy winner of the Golden Booker Prize.

The following are the shortlisted authors and novels for the Golden Booker Prize (presented in no particular order):

V.S. Naipaul – “In a Free State,”

Hilary Mantel – “Wolf Hall,”

Michael Ondaatje – “The English Patient,”

Penelope Lively – “Moon Tiger,”

George Saunders – “Lincoln in the Bardo,”

The Golden Booker Prize has been called a publicity stunt by many; an attempt to renew the Booker Prize in to greater relevance, as well as to take attention away from the smoldering resentment bubbling up about the decision to including American authors into the prizes eligibility. Yet, the Golden Booker Prize has unfortunately created a unique issue on its own. Only five novels and authors could be selected, from the five decades, which means the process of selecting a diverse, reflective and representing shortlist amongst the previous winners would be difficult. For example of the five writers chosen there is no winner from India or Ireland; on the flip side only three authors have won the Booker Prize twice, only one however has made this shortlist: Hilary Mantel (neither Nobel Laureate J.M. Coetzee or Peter Carey were included). Yet, the excluded author getting the most pondering glance is: Salamin Rushdie, and his novel “Midnight’s Children,” which has previously won the “Best of the Booker,” Award. Perhaps though the most curious writer included on the list is last year’s winner: George Saunders, and his novelistic debut: “Lincoln in the Bardos.” Perhaps freshness has a more crisp and agreeable quality, then old and outdated.

Now it is up to the public to cast their vote on who they think is the most deserving writer and novel for the Golden Booker Prize; while they may (or may not) wait in muted enthusiasm for this year’s Booker Prize to release its longlisted candidates.

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader

Take Care

And As Always

Stay Well Read

M. Mary