Tag: literary prizes

The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2018 Shortlist

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WalterScottPrize

It’s what lovers of historical fiction (not to mention a few nervous authors and publishers) have been waiting for – the publication of the shortlist for The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2018.    Unfortunately, the announcement came too soon for me to have read all thirteen titles on the longlist as I’d intended, but I definitely plan to read the three books in the shortlist I haven’t already read.

Visit The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction page on my blog for details of the shortlist, a reminder of the longlist plus links to my reviews or the book description on Goodreads.  I’ll be updating the links as I read and review them.  Well worth a visit is The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction website where you can find more information about the prize and the full comments by the judges on the shortlisted books.

Without further ado, here are the shortlisted titles along with some quotes from the judges’ comments.  Plus my own comments, indulging myself by imagining  (in my dreams) that I’m one of the judges…

WaltScott_ManhattanBeachManhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

What the judges say: ‘This is a novel from a writer at the top of her form.’
What Cathy Read Next’s verdict: Coming soon!

WaltScott_Sugar MoneySugar Money by Jane Harris

What the judges say: ‘a thrilling adventure story with a warm, human heart.’
What Cathy Read Next’s verdict: Coming soon!

WaltScott_GraceGrace by Paul Lynch

What the judges say: ‘Lynch’s narrative gripped us from the start and never let us go.’
What Cathy Read Next’s verdict: Coming soon!

TheWardrobeMistressThe Wardrobe Mistress by Patrick McGrath

What the judges say: ‘a novel which, whilst superbly evoking post-war theatrical life, pulses with contemporary disquiet.’
What Cathy Read Next’s verdict: ‘The Wardrobe Mistress had it all for me: atmospheric period setting, intriguing mystery and well-developed characters.’

Miss Boston and Miss Hargreaves PbackMiss Boston and Miss Hargreaves by Rachel Malik

What the judges say: ‘a quietly beautiful and brilliant novel that captures the heart and essence of a love story.’
What Cathy Read Next’s verdict: ‘Moving, tender, engaging…. I absolutely fell in love with it.’

WaltScott_The Gallows PoleThe Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers

What the judges say: ‘The writing is brutal but lyrical and deeply affecting.’
What Cathy Read Next’s verdict: ‘The story that unfolds is as compelling as the language…gritty, immersive.’

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

The Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2018 Longlist

whatcathyreadnext9 Comments

WalterScottPrize

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?