The Booker Prize 2023 Longlist

Hello Gentle Reader,
 
The Booker Prize through its many incarnations goes through cycles where the lists are considered groundbreaking and revolutionary; while on the other it is a bastion of the established, acknowledging (and awarding) the usual suspects. Another noticeable criticism leveraged against the Booker Prize was its decision to become inclusive to American authors in 2014, widening the prizes supposed purview. Since then, there has been a recent trend where American writers have often dominated the longlist, squeezing out the other eligible nations to the prize. This year's list is being praised for being both daring and interesting, with a shortlist with a majority of Irish writers being included. Without further ado the longlist:

Sebastian Barry – "Old God's Time,"

Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ – "A Spell of Good Things,"

Tan Twan Eng – "The House of Doors,"

Sarah Bernstein – "Study for Obedience,"

Jonathan Escoffery – "If I Survive You,"

Paul Harding – "This Other Eden,"

Chetna Maroo – "Western Lane,"

Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow – "All the Little Bird-Hearts,"

Paul Murray – "The Bee Sting,"

Siân Hughes – "Pearl,"

Elaine Feeney – "How to Build a Boat,"

Paul Lynch – "Prophet Song,"

Martin MacInne – " In Ascension," 

This year marks the fifth time Sebastian Barry has been nominated for the Booker Prize with his novel "Old God's Time," a dark novel that has been described as a masterpiece. "Old God's Time," is a novel of solitude, privacy, and a meditation memory, but also a reflection on Irelands complicated and dark history, especially concerning the influence and power of the Catholic Church. In a manner similar to Clare Keegan's "Small Things Like These," Sebastian Barry lights a lantern and begins the descent into the societal dark night of the soul; the repressed recesses of memory, where the crimes and monstrosities of the day were never spoken of or dealt with, but swept away and locked up.

 
It is nice to see Tan Twan Eng also return to the Booker Prize with his new novel "The House of Doors." Tan Twan Eng's novel "The Garden of the Evening Mists," was previously shortlisted in 2012. "The House of Doors," once again proves that Twan Eng is a master of the historical novel. "The House of Doors," revolves around historical and literary figures. One of the quintessential British writers of the early 20th Century, W. Somerset Maugham, is depicted as a flawed and complex man trapped in an unhappy marriage, but also fictionalizes Maugham's own experience in witnessing the Ethel Proudlock case, which inspired both a play and a short story. Throughout "The House of Doors," Tan Twan Eng explores the complexities and uncomfortable clash of cultures and colonialism. Knowing, Tan Twan Eng, "The House of Doors," will be written in the most exquisite prose.

 
Sarah Bernstein is the only Canadian to make on to this year's longlist with her novel "Study for Obedience." What can only be described as a gothic and macabre novel, Bernstein written a marvelous novel of isolation, guilt, alienation and claustrophobic communal madness fueled by superstitions. The novel is vaporous and fable like, alluding to a foreign northern country without divulging which. Place is unimportant. What matters is the internal processing of the events and the superstitious persecution. Whether or not the judges will be swayed by the lack of tangible place and detail will be seen; but "Study for Obedience," is by far one of the more interesting novels on this years long list.
 
"Pearl," is one of the debut novels on this year's longlist. Siân Hughes has written a compelling novel of childhood grief, cheated childhoods, mourning; the complex relationships between mothers and daughters; and literature as solace provider and sanctuary. It’s a personal and tender novel. Taking inspiration from the 14th Century poem "Pearl," by the Gawain Poet, Siân Hughes turns personal loss into a monumental testament of literary power.
 
This years Booker Prize longlist is full of interesting and insightful novels. Rural and undisclosed landscapes are ever present, desolate and despair ridden. Other novels trace the tragicomic misfortunes of family. Some novels explore the darkest chapters of societal history bubbling forth and invading hard earned retirements. Others explore historical events with a new lens and magnificent prose. This years Booker Prize is certainly full of remarkable and interesting writers. This year's panel of judges have the unenviable task of formulating a shortlist. Though I'm sure they will prove up to the task.
 
Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
 
M. Mary
 
 
For Further Reading: 

Justine Jordan, The Guardian: "Irish writers, debuts – and groundbreaking sci-fi:the Booker longlist in depth,"

Ella Creamer, The Guardian: "Booker prize reveals ‘original and thrilling’2023 longlist,"