pickA drugs-related kidnapping of a young lad: not a book I'd have picked up, were it not for its #bookerprize longlisting.
I enjoyed the characterisation (poor Dev, especially, and hapless Doll, and prematurely adult Nicky). There's something feels not quite complete about it though, and it could do with one more edit: not least to clear up the nonsensical imagery I kept tripping over (eg. the appearance of a distant building compared to an aspirin).
pickOstensibly about a drug-deal related shakedown, this is actually an exploration of the lives of people living at the margins and at risk. It‘s described as “darkly funny” and I don‘t agree at all—I found it to be an encouragement to look more deeply at quiet desperation. #TOBlonglist
so-soBook 6 for #TenBeforeTheEnd and another one I‘ve had on my shelf for at least a decade. It was interesting and a creative merging of two timelines and some magical realism, but I didn‘t love it. I realized this is by the author of a new book, which I do still want to read - The Most.
pickMy 12th from the #Booker #longlist. One more to go.
A sensitive thriller? A low-level violent drug-deal abduction, that becomes very interested in the sensitive nature of its characters. The pacing is careful but controlled. When we want it to move on, it holds its course. Be patient dear reader. I enjoyed it.
#Booker2024
pickSolid pick. Rural Ireland crime drama with believable flawed characters; great writing.
#Nov2024 Book107 #audiobook #DogsofLitsy #CopperBopper #whpg #Autumn #MyStreet
#ToBwaiting These are a few titles being talked about for possible inclusion for next March‘s Tournament of Books. We should see the Long List in a couple of weeks.
I do hope Poor Deer is selected- I am enjoying the audiobook. Wild Houses was offered as an Audible freebie (or discount - can‘t recall) so I have it up for a listen soon.
pickThe brother of a drug dealer is kidnapped. That character and the sweet and anxious man who must open his home to the kidnappers, and the girlfriend of the kidnapped man are all characters you root for. While I enjoyed the novel I can‘t say I was fully invested in it even though the Irish small town setting, the characters and the intrigue normally would have kept me focused. I enjoyed the writing though. #bookerlonglist24
pick#Booker 9/13
Not sure how or why this book ended up on the Booker longlist but I did enjoy it. It‘s a fast paced story about a drugsdeal gone wrong and the consequences for a bunch of interesting characters. I especially loved Dev and Nicky and I loved the ending, especially what it meant to Nicky!
(📷 Dordrecht, Netherlands)
JenP, AnneCecilie, TheKidUpstairs, Deblovestoread, Leniverse, charl08, rmaclean4, squirrelbrain, Graywacke, jlhammar
pickThis was a solid pick for me but not sure how it made it onto the longlist. At least it wasn‘t dry and repetitive which seems to be a theme of this year‘s longlist.
Our panel‘s reviews are here https://thereadersroom.org/2024/08/16/booker-longlist-2024-wild-houses-by-colin-...
