Polari prize nominees withdraw over inclusion of 'terf' John Boyne

[QAOPspaceman]

A third of the nominated authors and a judge have withdrawn from the Polari prize because John Boyne, apparently a self-confessed terf (!) and friend of JK Rowling (!!!), is nominated. He wrote The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and has previously said "while I will happily employ any term that a person feels best defines them... I reject the notion that someone can force an unwanted term on to another" so is clearly a fascist.

Have never read his stuff but am tempted to order his complete works immediately.

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/polari-prize-will-review-processes-after-a-third-of-nominated-authors-withdraw-books-from-longlist

https://archive.ph/J39nH

I read, and liked, Niamh ní Mhaoileoin’s novel, although I did note the use of the word ‘queer’ and that very much placed the author in a certain generation - fair enough, not everyone has to use language as I would use it, or have the same views as me. It’s a shame she, and the other tantrumming authors, can’t afford the same courtesy to JB or JKR. For that reason I won’t be spending my money or reading time on any more of her books. I’ll give JB another whirl though, even though I wasn’t a huge fan of TBITSP. His statement above is very gracious.

That was a stellar statement by John B. What a shame he had to write it. And fuck, what a world where people who declare they are so tolerant would seek to cancel him in this way.

This is so interesting. I hadn't realised he'd gone TERF.

I enjoyed the Hearts Invisible Furies, but when looking into him a bit more I was put off by his (at the time) anti-Linehan stuff and also by My Brother's Name is Jessica.

Oh, JB writes a good letter. Made me a bit tearful. I bought the Furies book the other day. That letter has bumped it up my tbr pile.

Funnily enough I never read TBITSP. The subject matter put me off; the Holocaust, children toddling into the gas chambers, the monstrousness, so much murder, so callous, so inhuman. Despite all that I might have been tempted but I'd read Private Peaceful, because I was interested in WW1, and I hated it. Then somehow I'd got it into my head they were by the same author! Not saying Morpurgo is a bad writer but that book wasn't for me, even taking into account that PP is aimed at kids,

Oh, bravo, JB. That is unimpeachable in both tone and content.

I also love the subtle shade in 'I have shelves full of awards at home and my book sales are extremely healthy.'

I haven't actually read him before, but I'm going to hie me over to Amazon immediately and buy up his whole backlist.

TRAs so often end up looking classless and humourless, don't they?

I really hope the judges ignores his request for his book to be disregarded. If the books aren't considered on their literary merits, the prize is devalued.

The Polari Prize for Approved Books Only.

The first of these is currently 99p on Kindle.

It's a smart move, and as he said he's taken the time to think about his response.

The prize is under no obligation to shortlist him anyway - he could have just not been shortlisted and we'd never know if it was because of what he said.

He said he'll do this if all the flouncers return. That's unlikely but if they do he'll have made a massive, yet very peacable win - promoting the idea that people with differing views and perspectives can take part in literary life and celebrations together, and put witch-hunting and cancellation behind them. They also return to the chance of a prize (a better chance if he removes himself) as a reward.

If they don't all return, they are showing they value cancellation above reconciliation and reward, and he has a good chance of being shortlisted and winning - which they don't want.

Meanwhile whatever the outcome he shows everyone what "going high" looks like - generous, thoughtful, no threats, no nastiness, no greed, kind and encouraging to newer writers even if they disagree with him.

Well played JB.

buying his book based off this
https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderUK/comments/1mpxcr0/john_boyne_gives_statement_after_more_than_half/

I'm just puzzling over the sheer nerve of writers trying to force censorship of other writers' work. The absolute gall of them to think it's any way appropriate. Can you imagine the smug, purity-spiralling thought process whereby someone, a newish writer, would go about to come to the conclusion that they should withdraw from a prize list and announce same to the world, all because they disapprove of another contender's views? The pomposity is mind-blowing!!!

P.S. JB's letter is so sad. I know he has a certain level of protection afforded by his fame and level of sales, etc (like JKR!), but this is clearly still affecting him very much.

Also, I'm especially disappointed about Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin's involvement. I really want to go all Irish Mammy on her, the absolute eejit!

Do not underestimate how woke the young, Irish, creative, lefty scene is.

She'll have been chomping at the bit to signal her credentials.

I think this is where "no debate" leads, isn't it. People like this are not exposed to the rigours of debate, logic and the reasons other people may have views different from their own. They 100% know they are right because that's what they have been told to think, unhindered by nuance, plurality or anything resembling a thought process. And being on the right side of history and waving pitchforks at "bigots" is deeply entewined with their identity and sense of being a moral person - evidently more important to them than actual literature or learning. It's all about performing righteousness for plaudits.

True, @TheKeatingFive . So depressing.

This. Tragically. The Shleeveen Tendency . At least the Legion of Mary actually helped women , despite all that religious mania. Or because of it ? Who knows. Unlike this new crowd : the Sisters of No Mercy.

I linked this podcast on another thread a couple of months ago but, for anyone not familiar with Boyne's story, background and career,it's really worth listening to.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/john-boyne/id1815702000?i=1000714427863

Boyne talks about his experience child abuse in school and how a culture of fear enabled this abuse.
I think it gives an sense of why he refuses to be silent or intimidated and how it shaped the person he is now.

He talks about TBITSP and I think gives a very good perspective of the later controversy surrounding it.
He discusses MBNIJ and discusses his journey from being an ally to becoming a TERF.
As someone who experienced abuse and grew up as a gay man in very dark times in Ireland, he is also fairly scathing of the culture of victimhood that is so prevalent today.
While he isn't at the same level of stratospheric success as JKR, he has been hugely successful in his career, despite ongoing attempts at cancelling him. I think that really infuriates the TRA's but the neverending attempts at cancellation of him has clearly has taken a toll on him.

He comes across as being someone who is very principled and I think his statement earlier today gives a sense of the person he is.

As an aside,that entire podcast series of interviews by Irish journalist Ian O'Doherty is really good.

https://x.com/johnboynebooks/status/1955917315029262792?s=46&t=ZXbLozRqm8etdGICMcAvA

Sorry image didn't load
https://x.com/johnboynebooks/status/1955917315029262792?s=46&t=ZXbLozRqm8etdGICMcAvA

He is genuinely brave, unlike the sneery entitled children criticising him.

Thanks for the link to the podcast, @Nebulousbiologist , I enjoyed it. Some very good points, from both interviewer and interviewee.

I agree.

Another one who felt so emotional reading his letter. In the face of relentless bullying, harassment and abuse from the apparently talentless, his letter is a master class in compassion and insight. What a wonderful man.

Gives a bit of hope that society may not be completely wrecked by these muppets.

Boyne’s writing is sublime.

My favourite is The Heart’s Invisible Furies.

@Cazziebo Will read All the Broken Places next.