The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2018 Longlist

Posted on by whatcathyreadnext

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It’s what lovers of historical fiction have been waiting for – the publication of the longlist for the 2018 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.    The organisers have really treated us this year because there are thirteen titles on the longlist of great variety.  Perhaps foolishly, I am going to attempt to read all those I haven’t already read before the short list is announced in April.

Visit The Walter Scott Prize page on my blog for the full longlist with links to my reviews or the book description on Goodreads.  I’ll be updating the links as I read and review them.

I recently shared my wish list of titles I wanted to appear on the list and I’m pleased that three books I’d read and enjoyed have made it into the selection – see below. (However, I’m also a bit sad that some of the others didn’t, although I’m hoping some might be in the ‘Academy Recommends’ list when it’s published later this month.)

The Wardrobe Mistress by Patrick McGrath

Miss Boston and Miss Hargreaves by Rachel Malik

Birdcage Walk by Helen Dunmore

Next follow two books that I’ve heard great things about and had on my wish list for a while but not yet read.  So now I have the perfect excuse to read (and buy) them.

 

Next follow four books that I’ve heard of but which haven’t up until now made it on to my wish list. That’s now been rectified…

 

Finally, the most surprising category for me, as someone who likes to think of herself as an avid follower of historical fiction: books that were completely off my radar.  As it happens,  these are now the ones I’m most intrigued to read.

 

  • Are there books you’re surprised to see on the list? 
  • Are there favourites you’re sad didn’t make it? 
  • Are you planning to read some or all of the longlisted books? 
  • Do you have any early predictions for the shortlist or even the eventual prizewinner?  

 

9 thoughts on “The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2018 Longlist”

  1. Looks a fab list – even if I’ve not read any of them! I feel ashamed! I do have ‘The Clocks In this House’ in my TBR pile so will start with that and try and decide which of the others I need to pick up!

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  2. I’m intrigued by those last four books too, as I know nothing about any of them! I don’t think I’ll be reading all of the longlist, but I’ve already read Birdcage Walk and The Bedlam Stacks and I have Sugar Money lined up to read soon.

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    1. I’ve just picked up the Kindle edition of The Gallows Pole for 99p from Amazon so that’s first on my list to read. I have a couple of the others on order from my local library. What did you think of The Bedlam Stacks? I’d seen it mentioned last year but when I read reviews they didn’t convince me to add it to my wishlist at the time.

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      1. I wasn’t a fan of The Bedlam Stacks – the magical realism element was too strong for me and I found the language too modern in places. Most people have loved it though, so it’s probably just me!

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  3. I’m interested to see the short list. I have read three of these, but I frankly don’t think that Manhattan Beach should be on the list, which is a shame, because I am a Jennifer Egan fan.

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  4. Delighted to see all three of your wishes plus Sugar Money on the longlist. I’d echo whatmeread about Manhattan Beach – a bit too neatly resolved for me, and I think she struggled to ditch some of her research.

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    1. Well, now I’m really intrigued to read it in the light of both your comments. I’m glad to see Sugar Money as well because I’ve had that on my wishlist for ages and now I’ll have to read it!

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