I was going to not read the list and did my usual guess of what would be on the list and got it so far wrong I wanted to see what was in these books and yes I managed in a month to get nearly through them all bar hundred pages of the Can Xue novel which by the time this post is up I may have read them as I am on the road to Alnwick tomorrow and a short holiday. So my six shortlisted books are-
Drive your plow over the bones of the dead by Olga Tokarczuk
What happens when nature kicks back we see here when things start happening in the Polish hinterlands in a small community. A previous winner is different to flights and shows the depths of her writing.
The shape of Ruins by Juan Gabriel Vasquez
A book that sees Vasquez as a character in his own book that is about an assignation of a Columbian politician almost like there JFK a great historical novel.
The years by Annie Ernaux
A powerful little book at post-war France and its generation told through pictures, movies, books, events, and life it builds a vivid picture of the years that followed the war.
At Dusk by Hwang Sok-Yong
An architect is greet by his past in a story that sees two sides of lives in Modern Korea from two people that grew up in a working clas area and went in different directions but meet at the moment there worlds both are about to change.
The Death of Murat Idrissi by Tommy Wieringa
Maybe the shortest book on the list but for me it is the most powerful as it is about a subject that we all see on the news that of immigration and he uses four characters to encompass a wider world.
Celestial bodies by Jokha Alharthi
I am yet to review this but this family saga shows the growth of Oman through the lives of three sisters and the family of the sisters going back to the early 20th century and to now with one of the main stories being told by a relative on jumbo heading home to his family.
So here are my six books an interesting list of books I have discovered three maybe four books that have passed me by. What are your thoughts on the books on the list ?
Apr 09, 2019 @ 10:29:44
I’ve only read Drive Your Plow but you make me want to read the rest on your list, Stu.
Apr 09, 2019 @ 14:14:27
Thanks Kim some interesting books on it pleased to have read the list for another year
Apr 09, 2019 @ 10:49:51
Nice list! I cannot wait to read Celestial Bodies. I know I will love it. I was not impressed by At Dusk – it proved to be a tedious and a bit chaotic read, but loved Drive Your Plow.
Apr 09, 2019 @ 14:13:33
I’m sure you will it is a great read
Apr 09, 2019 @ 10:53:30
So interesting to see your choices! To be honest, I’m not totally convinced Tokarczuk’s novel will make it and though I really enjoyed it I don’t think it’ll leave a lasting impact on me. However, I absolutely loved At Dusk and The Years and really hope they are on the shortlist. I’m still keen to read The Death of Murat Idrissi and Celestial Bodies. I’m excited for the announcement this evening!
Apr 09, 2019 @ 14:10:38
No it is no flights but still strong book on a middle of the road list no real challenging book
Apr 09, 2019 @ 13:19:24
Well, we can feel confident that these are all top reads!
Apr 09, 2019 @ 14:08:26
Thanks Lisa
Apr 09, 2019 @ 16:52:43
Great shortlist. Possible upset: Love in the New Millennium.
Apr 09, 2019 @ 18:45:44
The only one I’ve read is Olga and I loved it! 😀
Apr 26, 2019 @ 16:24:52
When nature kicks back – yes!! Can’t wait to hear what you think of Can Xue…