booker 2020 short or long list

[fuschia2000]

I'm starting my way through the shortlist (currentlyreadingreal life), and noticing that all authors except one are either US or US / UK joint nationality - wondering if bpoker rule change back in 2014 (?) was such a good idea??

There was another thread about this recently and yes, I think everyone agreed that letting the Americans in was not a good idea. On the plus side hopefully
Tsitsi Dangarembga will gain a lot more readers due to the publicity.

Nothing is more likely to make me decide not to buy a book than "Booker Prize Shortlist" emblazoned on the cover.

Why not?🙏

I’m reading my way through the shortlist. Just finished Shuggie Bain. I know the author has US citizenship but The book is 100% Glasgow.

I went to bed and cried when I’d finished it.

I've ordered what I can of the longlist from the library, but they are taking an age to come in this year (presumably covid related).

Have you read anything else by Tsitsi Dangarembga @CountFosco ? I didn't enjoy This Mournable Body at all, but wonder if I missed a lot by not reading the first two books in the trilogy first.

Nothing is more likely to make me decide not to buy a book than "Booker Prize Shortlist" emblazoned on the cover.
Same here. It often feels like the committee purposely choose controversial/weird stuff just to get media attention, irrespective of how good it is. Ditto the Turner Prize.

I’ve just finished Shuggie Bain too. I thought it was brilliant.
So, so sad though.

Yup, I'm boycotting the Booker too since the Damian B/ Baroness Nicholson debacle.

I think that playing the diversity/woke factor is now more important than the quality of the literature too, so I no longer value the judges' opinions. If I was an author I'd steer well clear I think.

@Nuffaluff, I can’t stop thinking about it. You know it’s based on the Author’s life?

Yes @AgentProvocateur but I only realised when I read his thank you bit at the back.
Brilliant book. I loved the characters. They are so well realised- so real. Interestingly, I thought Shuggie himself was the least believable character. Maybe because it’s based on the author and he took too much of himself out of it.
I’m not going to manage all of the shortlist before the winner is announced this year I don’t think. I’ll get to them and the rest of the long list at some point. I’d be very happy if Shuggie Bain wins.