Not my favourite prize but, for some reason, I can’t resist putting together a wish list for the Booker. To be eligible for this year’s prize all books must be published in the UK or Ireland between 1st October 2024 and 30th September 2025 and have been written in English. The judges usually stick to twelve although sometimes stretch to thirteen as I have this year. Their list will be revealed on Tuesday 29th July but here’s mine – wishes not predictions – with links to my reviews.
Theft The Land in Winter That Beautiful Atlantic Waltz
Days of Light A Room Above the Shop The Book of Guilt
Ripeness The Benefactors Seascraper
Several of these stand no hope whatsoever, although I think they should, unlikely even to have been nominated by their publishers although the judges can call books in. That said, one of 2023’s wishes hit the jackpot as did 2020’s so you never know. It’s quite possible I’ll read a gem I’d loved to have included here published before mid-September when the shortlist is announced but I’m sticking to books I’ve already read. And if I had to choose one? Never easy but it would be a toss-up between A Room Above a Shop, The Benefactors, Pick a Colour and The Two Roberts.
What about you? What would you like to see on the list, and what do you think the judges will plump for?
Discover more from A Life in Books
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
So far, I’ve only read the Miller and the Tallack, both of which I enjoyed, but I doubt if they’ll make the cut. But all the others are on my radar.
The Miller’s a possibility but a slim one, and the Tallack is firmly in wish not prediction territory, sadly.
You seem to have a better handle on how their minds work!
I’m not sure about that although I did once have an exchange about it with someone who’d been a judge and was wonderfully indiscreet!
Ah, friends in high places …
Someone I used to commission when I was a reviews editor.
I’m looking forward to reading Pick A Colour! I loved her short story collection. The Chidgey looks great too.
I read Pick a Colour on the strength of How to Pronounce Knife and wasn’t disappointed. I think the Chidgey may actually stand a chance.
Well of course I have to cast a vote for A Room Above a Shop
I’d be delighted to it on the judges’ list.
I’ve only read two of the books on your list – The Land in Winter and Days of Light. I really liked the first, less so the second. I wouldn’t even attempt a prediction as I don’t seem to read the sort of books that appear on the Booker longlist.
I’ve long since given up predictions, sticking to wishes instead.
I’ve only read the Hunter and Moss so far from your selections, but I’m very keen on the Erskine and Thammavongsa, having enjoyed their story collections, and would also like to read the Miller and Wood. I never feel like I’m on the same page as the Booker judges. I consider myself reasonably well read but they always manage to pick out books I’ve never heard of or thought of reading. I tend to do a bit better with the Women’s Prize.
I don’t do particularly well with either although I do score a hit now and again. Erskine and Thammavongsa have both made the transition to longer form fiction brilliantly.
Delighted to see Dusk on your list 🙂
I’d love to see that on the judges’ list. Fingers crossed!
Since I love in a small Ohio town I should read Buckeye but a charcter with the gift of being a “seer” with a “gift” puts me off. When I have a moment I’ll read your review.
I know what you mean but it wasn’t a problem for me. I’ll be posting it nearer the publication date.
Great–maybe I’ll try it after I read it. Sadly, right now “Buckeye” is synonymous with a s-x abuse case at OSU and the GOP congressman Jim Jordan. [OSU teams are The Buckeyes–the state nickname]
I’m sorry to hear that.
OSU was a powerhouse for sports AND academics. We are awash in s * x crimes in this country.
I’ve only read the Tallack and agree it would be great to see it on the list but unlikely. I really want to read so many of these though, largely thanks to your reviews!
Lovely to hear that! Maybe the judges will surprise us.
I have read 10 of your list.
I am compiling Booker longlist predictions (or wishlists) to get a combined view – I think this is something like the 90th I have found. I will be publishing a combined list on Saturday in Instagram at gygoldenreviewer
That’s great, and I hope you enjoyed the 10 you read. Oddly, I haven’t noticed many wish lists but they’re clearly out there.
Some of these books are new to me. I really liked Miller’s and Shapland’s books but I am not sure they are strong enough. I loved Crummey’s The Adversary and that would be a contender for me. Also loved Elegy Southwest. Haven’t read Erskine yet. There is usually an Irish contender but I can’t think of any recent book. Although I just finished a lovely debut novel by Sean Farrell called Frogs for Watchdogs. But likely not strong enough either.
Thanks for the Farrell tip, Lucy. I’ll look him up and The Adversary, too. I doubt the Shapland will even be nominated but I loved it for its descriptive writing and sensitivity. Erskine is brilliant!
I’m with you on Days of Light but I’d add The Names by Florence Knapp, and maybe The Home Made God by Rachel Joyce!
I’ve not read either of those but have certainty seen a lot of love for The Names on social media. Not long to go before we see what the judges think.
It probably won’t surprise you to hear that I haven’t read any of these, but it’s always interesting to see your picks! Sarah moss is such an interesting writer, although I have to admit to preferring her recent memoir, my good bright wolf, to summerwater, which I found a bit frustrating.
Alan Hollinghurst’s Our Evenings must be in with a shout as long as the publication date qualifies for this year’s round. I listened to it as an audiobook last year and loved it.
She’s an excellent writer, isn’t she. Summerwater seemed to disappoint quite a few although I enjoyed it. And I suspect you’re right about Hollinghurst. I’m sure it will have been nominated.
I enjoyed The Land In Winter but have been a bit surprised at just how much prize attention it has garnered. What has piqued my interest is the response to the Wendy Erskine…
Erskine has become a favourite writer for me. Her short stories are excellent and The Benefactors is a brilliant first novel. I’ll be delighted if it catches the judges’ attention.
Interesting list Susan. I haven’t read a lot of new books this year so I don’t think I am going to be up to date at all. I’d love to see The Benefactors on the list (and I think it deserves to be there) and I’m planning on starting the Megan Hunter this week.
I’d be thrilled to see The Benefactors on the longlist, Cathy. It was very well reviewed so you never know.
I was pleased to see Maria Reva’s Endling make the list; I would like to say that I think it should be short-listed–because I just had such endLESS fun with all the threads and angles and possibilities therein–but that wouldn’t be fair because I haven’t read all the other contenders. You did have some hits from your wishlist though!
I was lucky with two and was happiest for Seascraper. I’ve added several to my tbr list including Endling. Pleased to hear that you rate it so highly, Marcie.