Orange Prize - The Shortlist 2008

[rushour]

Has anyone read these books - would you reccomend them?

The Outcast by Sadie Jones
Fault Lines by Nancy Huston
When we were bad by Charlottle Mendelson
Lullabies for little criminals by Heather O Neill
The Road Home by Rose Tremain
Lottery by Patricia Wood
Inglorious by Joanna Kavenna
The Volumptious Delights of Peanut Butter and Jam by Lauren Liebenburg

Have read the Outcast.
Was ok,I like books from Wartime/1950's period and the detail was good,but the book didn't move me as much as I expected.

when we were bad had good reviews... it was a load of shite (imho)

i liked when we were bad (sorry ponceface. like the new name!)- depends if black comedy of dysfunctional north london jewish families is your thing or not, inglorious was really quite dull.

just looking at the long list, & i've also read the master bedroom by tessa hadley (slow burning, beautiful writing, & i guessed the twist). am currently reading & enjoying the clothes on their backs by linda grant.

hi hc!
i've read tessa hadleys others and really liked them so will give that a go
the linda grant is good isn't it?

marvellous. do you want to borrow the t. hadley?

hoxtonchick - you've sold the Charlotte Mendelsohn to me ! just my thing...

oh god, i hope you like it now . her others are rather good too.

• will look for it tomorrow !

mm, just mine too.... in theory, right up my street. dh is stereotypical n london jewish boy... and his family not exactly functional.... but the pace was hysterical and it came across as too knowing / staged. i think she is cynical media hag (or so my writer friends tell me)

there were some setpieces, i agree. have you read her others (desperately tries to think of titles without resorting to amazon)? daughters of jerusalem was 2nd i think.

nope. just that one. is the tessa hadley only in hardback? would love to borrow if so

thanks. i think i'll give charlotte mendelson a go.

i've heard 'before i die' by Jenny Downham is good, however, didn't this book didn't make it on the new writers shortlist. For some people it was a difficult read, in terms of the emotional / painful journey the book takes you. i'm kinda apprehensive about picking ip up and prob won't read it just yet (i finshed lionel shrivers we need to talk about Kevin last night) so definitely need a pick me up.

Before I Die was good - it was sort of painful and uplifting at the same time (ok, so I sobbed too but there was still that bright element somehow...)

I am drawn to "The Volumptious Delights of Peanut Butter and Jam" based purely on the title

yes it is hardback. remind me to bring it next time we meet.

I was going to buy 'Before I die' but might do the Charlotte Mendelsohn first...and yes,I'd buy the peanut butter and jam book for it's title alone !

bought it - will start it tonight !

Hi Margeret!
I love Charlotte Mendolson's stuff, can't wait to read this new one. Daughters of Jerusalem and Love In Idlenes were both great. (D o J slightly better imo.)

have started it and like it a lot !!

hey poncey, i found the tessa hadley in a charity shop for 59p today . so i bought it for you .

bump

The Outcast is superb.

I thought the characters were very vivid. I loved it, it's one of those that will stay with me for a while.

Just thought I'd let you know we're voting on Orange Prize shortlist for Mumsnet Book of the Month - if you fancy joining then you can see all the books plus added links on the May Book of the Month page, and cast your vote on the May Poll page.

Also, have you seen this great youtube trailer for The Outcast - like a proper film...

oh I've voted for the Charlotte Mendelson !

just seen this hc! how v v kind of you. i looked for her stuff in bookshop after your posts here and it wasnt there but short story collection was called sunstroke. am reading it and is pretty good.... will swap you when i see you. x