It’s award season in the book world. In January the Edgar’s nominations were announced and this month two big book prizes released the longlists: The Women’s Prize for Fiction and The International Booker Prize. I really enjoy reading about these because I find out about books that maybe would not have made it on my radar.
I haven’t read any books from either of these two lists but I can tell you that I’ve already added a lot of titles to my wish list. From these longlists the judges will narrow down to a shortlist and those will be announced in April and then winners the following months.
One day I’d love to have a goal to read all nominated books in time for the awards to see if my favorite would win but maybe when I’m retired! ha.
But, I thought I’d share a few of the titles from both the Women’s Prize and the International Booker that caught my eye.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction:
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ve loved several of her books so this one automatically goes on my wish list.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. I love mythology and Medusa’s story was always one of my favorites.
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy. I’ve been hearing a lot about this book and think it would be a fascinating read.
The International Booker Prize:
Still Born by Guadalupe Nettel, translated by Rosalind Harvey. I’ve read one book by Guadalupe Nettel before and would certainly like to read more. This story is traces the lives of Laura and Alina, best friends with a shared aversion to “the human shackles” of motherhood. Or so it seems.
Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov, translated by Angela Rodel. A ‘clinic for the past’ offers a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s sufferers: each floor reproduces a decade in minute detail, transporting patients back in time.
Whale by Cheon Myeong-Kwan, translated by Chi-Young Kim. An adventure-satire of epic proportions, which sheds new light on the changes Korea experienced in its rapid transition from pre-modern to post-modern society.
Have you read any of the nominated books or any title in particular caught your attention?
I haven’t read it yet, but I have a copy of Demon Copperhead on my shelves. I’m looking forward to reading it soon!
I haven’t read any of these either.
Lesley – It looks like a great book and I hope you enjoy it! I almost got a copy earlier this year but it’s quite a chunkster and I think I probably need a paperback copy for easier reading 🙂
Lark – Every time these lists come out I always think what am I reading?! haha..
I’ve enjoyed several of Barbara Kingsolver’s novels and am planning to read Demon Coperhead next month. If I get really ambitious, I’ll follow up with David Copperfield!
Joann @ Gulfside Musing – Oh that would be a great pairing! The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver is one my favorite books. I really love her writing and do want to get to her latest book!