In the running for the highly esteemed 2023 Booker Prize, the UK’s most prestigious literary award, is a captivating assortment of 13 books, each boasting an “original and thrilling” narrative, and providing striking insights into the present moment.
Among the contenders, there are four debut novelists making their debut appearance on the longlist, and six others who have also earned their first-ever longlisting. Additionally, distinguished authors Sebastian Barry, Tan Twan Eng, and Paul Murray stand out with a combined total of seven prior Booker nominations.
In the annals of the Booker Prize, Ireland stands tall as the land that has birthed a remarkable 37 longlisted authors, holding the crown for the nation producing the most nominees per capita, a testament to their literary prowess.
- 1. The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
- 2. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
- 3. Western Lane by Chetna Maroo
- 4. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
- 5. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
- 6. All the Little Bird-Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
- 7. Pearl by Siân Hughes
- 8. This Other Eden by Paul Harding
- 9. How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney
- 10. If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery
- 11. Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein
- 12. Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry
- 13. A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
Adding to the literary tapestry, Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ emerges as the fifth Nigerian luminary to grace Bookers nomination list. Her novel, “A Spell of Good Things,” delves into the intricate tapestry of class and desire in contemporary Nigeria, a captivating and formidable masterpiece, as acclaimed by the esteemed panel of judges.
Amidst a grand symphony of literary exploration, this year’s captivating longlist materialized through the discerning curation of a remarkable panel. Twice-shortlisted novelist Esi Edugyan, along with the talented actor Adjoa Andoh, the poetic virtuoso Mary Jean Chan, the erudite Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro, and the versatile actor and author Robert Webb, collectively crafted a tapestry of literary marvels.
A journey through 163 novels across seven awe-inspiring months transported them to vivid realms. From early 20th-century Maine to the enchanting alleys of Penang, from the bustling streets of Lagos to the elite squash courts of London, from the unfathomable depths of the Atlantic to a dystopian Ireland where the haunting loss of rights reverberates as an ominous signal.
The chair of the judging panel, Edugyan, passionately remarked, “Whole worlds unfurled before us, each tale a captivating vessel. We sailed through captivating narratives, delving into intriguing tales of varied landscapes and emotions.”
Amongst the sea of literary gems, notable titles like Zadie Smith’s eagerly awaited “The Fraud” and Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer-winning “Demon Copperhead” missed the longlist. Meanwhile, seven of the longlisted works hailed from independent publishers, celebrating the spirit of diversity and creative expression.
Describing the essence of the longlist, Edugyan eloquently mused, “Here, we find the audacity of new voices and the revolutionary fervor of established ones. Each novel kindles a spark, igniting language with fervent vitality.”
Notably, this marked Barry’s fifth recognition by the Booker Prize, as his novel “Old God’s Time” delved into the past of a retired policeman entangled in a murder investigation. Equally impressive, Tan Twan Eng earned Booker nominations for all three of his novels, with his latest masterpiece, “The House of Doors,” weaving the essence of Somerset Maugham’s life and writings.
In this awe-inspiring journey of literary exploration, the longlist unearths unique narratives, igniting the imagination and enriching the literary landscape.
On September 21, the shortlist comprising six books will be unveiled, and on November 26, the winner will be announced. The victor will be granted £50,000, while each of the shortlisted authors will receive £2,500 along with a specially bound edition of their respective books.
Gaby Wood, the chief executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, expressed how the diverse experiences, expertise, and sensibilities of this year’s judging panel guided them to seek novels that pushed the boundaries of the literary form while also offering readers insights into the world.
The selection for this year’s Booker Library includes debut novels, fresh works from established Booker authors, and contributions from accomplished writers at the peak of their craft who are new to the prize. Gaby Wood hopes that every reader will discover something to cherish in this year’s list.
Notable recent winners of the Booker Prize encompass Shehan Karunatilaka, Damon Galgut, Douglas Stuart, Bernardine Evaristo, and Margaret Atwood.
Feel free to browse the Booker Prize 2023 Longlist below –
1. The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
In the beguiling world penned by the bestselling, Booker Prize-shortlisted author of “The Garden of Evening Mists,” a captivating novel unfolds, entwining love and betrayal, colonialism and revolution while delving into the intricate nature of friendship and redemption. Set in 1921 at Cassowary House, residing in the Straits Settlement of Penang, Lesley Hamlyn and her war veteran husband, Robert, encounter the arrival of “Willie” Somerset Maugham, a renowned writer and old friend. His concealed homosexuality and faltering career intertwine with Lesley’s mysterious past, ultimately revealing a tale of war, scandal, and a murder trial. “The House of Doors” breathes life into history, exploring race, gender, and power, offering an enchanting exploration of love amidst the shadows cast by an empire.
2. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray
Within the captivating world of “The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray, the imaginative mind behind “Skippy Dies,” a remarkable story unravels, blending humor, wisdom, and introspection, delving into the struggles of the Barnes family facing financial ruin, adolescent rebellion, and the pursuit of goodness amidst a crumbling world. As they grapple with misfortune triggered by a mere moment of bad luck, a patch of ice, a chance favor, or a trapped bee, the question remains: can they alter their destiny and find a happy ending in a narrative seemingly already written? Join this unforgettable journey through the chaos of life’s unpredictability and the timeless quest for a hopeful resolution.
3. Western Lane by Chetna Maroo
In a spellbinding debut, Chetna Maroo crafts a poignant novel delving into grief, sisterhood, and a young athlete’s quest to surpass herself. Meet eleven-year-old Gopi, who has wielded a squash racket since she could barely walk. After her mother’s passing, her father’s strict training regimen drives her deeper into the sport, distancing her from her sisters. The court becomes her world, accompanied by her pa and Ged, a gifted thirteen-year-old. Through Western Lane, Maroo weaves an indelible tale of coming-of-age, celebrating innocence, and the profound ways we connect with ourselves and others.
4. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
Leigh grew up in Rotterdam, finding refuge by the waterfront from her turbulent home life and volatile father. Enthralled by the undersea world, she excelled in marine biology, traveling globally to study ancient organisms. Joining an exploration team in the Atlantic trench, she sought evidence of the Earth’s first life forms but discovered something questioning our origins. This led her to a space agency in the Mojave desert, unveiling a larger, inexplicable pattern. Torn between her family and the cosmos, Leigh faced a poignant choice. “In Ascension” explores the natural world with celestial wonder, delving into existential questions and the human heart’s resilience, emphasizing our eternal yearning for home.
5. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Under the shadow of a dark, rain-soaked Dublin evening, Eilish Stack, a devoted scientist, and mother-of-four, faces an unexpected visit from the GNSB – Ireland’s new secret police. They’ve come to interrogate her trade unionist husband, while the country collapses into tyranny. As her husband and eldest son vanish, Eilish finds herself entangled in the nightmare of a crumbling society. Determined to save her family, she must confront the haunting question of how far she’s willing to go and what she’ll leave behind. In Prophet Song, an exhilarating and propulsive tale, a mother’s fight for her family unfolds amid the devastating vision of a country at war.
6. All the Little Bird-Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow
In her childhood home, Sunday Forrester lives with her daughter Dolly, a headstrong sixteen-year-old. Adhering to peculiar habits, she eats only white foods on quiet days and turns to Sicilian folklore to escape. However, their orderly life is disrupted when charming neighbors, Vita and Rollo, break every rule in Sunday’s book while becoming close friends. Beneath their charm lies Vita’s desire for what Sunday has – a daughter of her own, adding unexpected complexity to their relationship.
7. Pearl by Siân Hughes
At the tender age of eight, Marianne’s world is shattered as her mother vanishes, leaving her with her baby brother and grief-stricken father in a dilapidated house near a small village. Clinging to treasured fragments of her mother’s love, she seeks solace in memories of fresh herbs, playful games, and childhood stories. With time, Marianne struggles to adapt, haunted by her mother’s disappearance and suspicious of her father’s hidden truths. Discovering an ancient poem, “Pearl,” she endeavors to visually capture its essence but finds herself unable to complete the task repeatedly. Tormented by an unmarked gravestone and drawn by the river’s pull, her childhood home begins to crumble, leading her down a path of self-destruction. Can art heal Marianne, and will her journey to become a mother ultimately bring her peace?
8. This Other Eden by Paul Harding
In 1792, Benjamin Honey, once enslaved, and his Irish wife, Patience, discovered an island to forge their life together. Their descendants, living alongside diverse neighbors, including two sisters raising Penobscot orphans and a prophetic Civil War veteran, face the intrusion of “civilization”: eugenics-driven officials threaten to cleanse the island, sparing only a light-skinned boy. “This Other Eden” intricately explores hope, dreams, and resilience amidst a world intolerant of differences.
9. How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney
In this heartwarming and uniquely told story, we follow the remarkable journey of a young boy as he searches for his mother, guided by warmth, tenderness, and a touch of flair. Elaine Feeney’s literary talent has drawn the support of high-profile champions, including Douglas Stuart, Margaret Atwood, Marian Keyes, Roddy Doyle, Naoise Dolan, Kevin Barry, Sinead Gleeson, Nicole Flattery, Lisa McInerney, and Claire Louise Bennett.
10. If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery
In a dazzling debut, follow a Jamaican family’s pursuit of a better life in Miami, led by a compelling generational storyteller. As they escape political violence in their native Kingston, America’s promises prove elusive, and their journey through hurricanes, recession, and racism tests their resilience. Centered around Trelawny, the younger son, the linked stories masterfully explore the struggles for identity and survival amid financial disaster and bad luck. Escoffery’s vibrant lyricism and incisive commentary unveil the harsh realities of life between homes and cultures, portraying American existence at its most challenging and hopeful.
11. Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein
In this haunting and compressed masterwork, Sarah Bernstein emerges as an extraordinary new voice in Canadian fiction, appealing to fans of Shirley Jackson, Iain Reid, and Claire-Louise Bennett. The story follows a young woman who becomes a housekeeper for her estranged brother in a remote northern region, where unsettling events unfold around her. As suspicion and hostility intensify, she senses a mounting threat, fearing the consequences of a gathering storm in the town. With a sharp, lyrical voice, Bernstein explores themes of complicity, power, displacement, and inheritance, making “Study for Obedience” a gripping and unsettling novel that firmly establishes her as one of the most exciting voices of her generation.
12. Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry
In his tranquil new home, retired policeman Tom Kettle guards a compelling untold story that nobody else believed. Memories of his family linger, but when two former colleagues arrive with questions about an unsolved case, Tom is drawn into the shadowy depths of his past. Old God’s Time is a haunting novel, shrouded in mystery, where appearances deceive and the enduring essence of life is contemplated.
13. A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
After a government edict costs Eniola’s father his job, his family struggles to survive. Eniola endures beatings from schoolteachers due to unpaid fees, and his parents can’t afford his tailoring apprenticeship. Meanwhile, Wuraola, an exhausted young doctor, faces sleepless nights in a public hospital and risks her family’s good fortune with her boyfriend’s darker side. As Eniola becomes entangled in political forces, both his family and Wuraola’s are put in jeopardy, tracing the intertwined fates of two Nigerian families—one blessed with fortune and the other unable to catch a break.
Which of these books is going to be your next read? Share in the comments below!
