Welcome to Litsy!

A drugs-related kidnapping of a young lad: not a book I'd have picked up, were it not for its #bookerprize longlisting.
I enjoyed the characterisation (poor Dev, especially, and hapless Doll, and prematurely adult Nicky). There's something feels not quite complete about it though, and it could do with one more edit: not least to clear up the nonsensical imagery I kept tripping over (eg. the appearance of a distant building compared to an aspirin).

Oh, this was seriously good! It's a powerful story on a subject I don't recall reading about before. I very much enjoyed the characterisation of Isabel and Eva and, oh my, the tension generated throughout as it becomes clear what is actually going on here. Actually I think it would have been my personal #bookerprize winner, were it not for the generous amount of 🌶️ , which i just don't like.

Because no one goes to B&N to browse. I did only get one this time, so…

#bookbuy #BookerPrize

#BookerPrize

The first third was fine but I wasn‘t convinced that it would turn into something remarkable. Glad I stuck with it because it surprised me. I won‘t say more except read it.

That makes 6 read with 2 started and paused. I‘ll go back to them if they get shortlisted. Waiting on Wild Houses hold and my copy of Stone Yard to arrive. Didn‘t get as far into the longlist as I wanted but looking forward to tomorrow‘s announcement.

#WeeklyForecast 35/24

I am reading a short story collection by Roddy Doyle, whom I have a weak spot for ever since the 80s.
I also started The Searcher, which is slow burning but interesting.
For the #Bookerprize my next read will be My Friends. I have read The Return by this author, which was just a so-so for me, but this new one gets good reviews so I am eager to find out what I‘ll think of it.

So far, I‘m quite liking this one. #bookerprize

Thanks to the #Bookerprize, the #ToB and the #1001books list I‘ve read a lot of them yet I do think it‘s too America focused. I do love American fiction, but I‘d expected a more international list.

Here‘s my own shortlist for the #bookerprize, in order of favourites.

I‘m cheating a bit by having TWO lists as, whilst these are my faves, I don‘t think they‘ll all make the list.

Bird-Hearts, In Ascension and Prophet Song should make the list. Study for Obedience will be on there because I hated it (!). And I think This Other Eden and Western Lane are more Booker-y than some of those above.

Looking forward to the *actual* list tomorrow!

Stream of consciousness style combined with an unreliable narrator means this one takes focus so you don't miss the needles of truth. But if you're ready for a book that will leave a heavy emotional weight on your heart, it's worth taking time with. It is hard and filled with grief, but it is beautifully wrought.

CW: physical and sexual abuse of children

#BookerPrizeLonglist #BookerPrize #Booker2023

(Brilliant cover design by David Litman)

#WeeklyForecast 19/23

I am trying to read an #InternationalBooker shortlisted book a week and am now in the middle of Time Shelter. Afterwards I‘ll read some oldies off my TBR before I dive into my new books for #CampToB23.
The tagged one was shortlisted for the #BookerPrize years ago, a #Persephone just because and The Mandibles because I love Shriver!