Congrats to Paul Lynch for nabbing the prestigious 2023 Booker Prize for his novel Prophet Song. My full thoughts on Prophet Song are forthcoming (check back early next year as I catch up on all the reviews I have lined up). But I will note this - wow, Lynch sure knows how to look at the world we’re living in and show how easy it would be to fall into a totalitarian police state that seeks to censor not just words and acts but the very thoughts that have the audacity to question those in authority.
In my opinion, this year’s Booker nominees have largely been incredible, engaging pieces of literature that deserve their places at the front and center of the modern cannon. Those books that I’ve finished (or am currently reading) have grasped my attention from the start, and those that I haven’t read yet are ones I am scrambling to read as soon as I can. So, congrats to all the nominees, and well-done to the panel of judges who selected this wide range of literary successes.
Now let’s talk about my ratings…
Five(ish) Stars
Western Lane* by Chetna Maroo (5 stars)
Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein (4.75 stars)
Four(ish) Stars
How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney (4.25 stars)
Pearl by Sian Hughes (4 stars)
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch (4 stars)
A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ (3.75 stars)
If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery (3.75 stars)
Three(ish) Stars
None
Two(ish) Stars
None
One(ish) Stars
None
DNF’d for Now
This Other Eden by Paul Harding
Currently Reading
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray (anticipated 4-ish star read)
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes (anticipated 5-ish star read)
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng (anticipated 4-ish star read)
Haven’t Read Yet
Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry
All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
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Have you read any of the 2023 Booker nominees? Share your thoughts below!
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