One of the literary prizes that I like to pay particular attention to is the Goldsmiths Prize, because its remit chimes a lot with what I like to read: “to reward fiction that breaks the mould or extends the possibilities of the novel form.” I’m planning to read along with the shortlist, which was announced yesterday:
Transit by Rachel Cusk (Jonathan Cape)
Hot Milk by Deborah Levy (Hamish Hamilton)
The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride (Faber & Faber)
Solar Bones by Mike McCormack (Tramp Press)
Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun (Cassava Republic Press)
Martin John by Anakana Schofield (And Other Stories)
At first sight, that’s an interesting mix of books that I look forward to exploring. I’ll be reading and reviewing as many as I can before the winner is revealed on 9 November.
29th September 2016 at 9:41 am
This does look like an interesting list… I read Martin John last year, when it was shortlisted for the Giller Prize, and it’s an extraordinary read. I’ve not read this particular McCormack, but I read his Notes for a Coma many years ago and it’s one of those stories I still think about… a kind of weird blend of realist and science fiction… so I’m intigued by his new one.
17th October 2016 at 10:49 pm
Agreed on Martin John – it might well end up on my best-of-year list. Solar Bones is my next read from the shortlist!
29th September 2016 at 10:28 am
Ive not paid any attention to this prize but seems like its worth investigating – is there a limit on the geographic origin of the author etc or is it open worldwide?
30th September 2016 at 7:49 am
Books have to have been written by citizens of the UK or Republic of Ireland.
17th October 2016 at 10:41 pm
Yes, I do wish it were open to all books (I’d love a prize with thisremit that covered Anglophone books and translations). But I guess, as long as it keeps highlighting interesting titles (which it does), that’s the main thing.
29th September 2016 at 3:05 pm
I love the idea behind this prize – I look forward to following your progress!
Like Kim, I read Martin John last year and loved it. Hopefully they are all as good!
17th October 2016 at 10:43 pm
I’m halfway through the shortlist, and Martin John is my favourite so far.
30th September 2016 at 11:24 am
I’m intrigued by the shortlist – watching the judges talk about the books sold me on them. It looks like only four are out in the US right now but I’m planning to read as many as I can.