The Booker Prize Shortlist, 2020

Hello Gentle Reader

This years shortlist has been called the most diverse, Booker Prize Shortlist in recent memory; and in a twist of fate, in order to avoid being called predictable, and claustrophobic to new writers and emerging talent, this years judges did not include Hilary Mantel on this year’s shortlist—an honour we were all expecting the two time Booker Prize winning author to receive. Rather, the writers took a different approach; one that is being both praised and criticized for. First though the shortlist:

Diane Cook – USA – “The New Wilderness,”
Tsitsi Dangarembga – Zimbabwe – “This Mournable Bod,”
Avni Doshi – USA – “Burnt Sugar,”
Maaza Mengiste – Ethiopia/UA – “The Shadow King,”
Douglas Stuart – Scotland/USA – “Shuggle Bain,”
Brandon Taylor – USA – “Real Life,”

It is apparent that the shortlist is dominated by American writers, or writers with duel citizenship to the states; as well as women. Another unique factor of this year’s shortlist is that it is inclined towards writers of a different ethnicity other then Caucasian. Of course, when such occurrences do occur, it is viewed as suspect. Though there has been praise for this year’s judges for keeping diversity in mind; others have viewed the decision being influenced by macro socio-political events, perspectives, and attitudes, and fear that the literary aspect of the prize is being is being sidestepped in favour of meeting a diversity quota, or appeasing the current social and political attitudes; and worst still they worry that the judges will be judged and scrutinized by these circumstances both now and in the future, diminishing their literary achievements.

To say it is a diverse shortlist is not a scandalous statement; in fact it should be praised as such, and welcomed as a breath of fresh air; but it should also be viewed with caution, as we wonder if the literary as simply become a diminished measurement in favour of social engagement and appeasement; rather then the ravaging revolutionary voices that inspired societal and political changes, through thought provoking narratives.

Congratulations to the shortlisted writers, and the best of luck to them.

Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
 
M. Mary