The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
2008 – Bookerthon
The anticipation levels for Bookerthon 2008 has fluctuated for us both. Our love of Bookerthon has increased due to our Back Bookers but our inability to pick the winner last year has frayed our nerves. Plus, the couple of massive tomes shortlisted this year meant we had to read at least 60 pages per day for five weeks to keep up, so timing and persistence were key.
But we got there. Six books that would be considered diverse but which highlight a particular time and place well. They provide a portrait of an era, taking the reader on a journey around the world and through time, showcasing the importance of capturing history.
From the Opium Wars of China, to 1970s Sheffield, the Australian penal system, India’s class system, a remembered life for a 100 year old Irish woman and the persecuted life of a Hungarian Jew, each finalist brings to life a snippet of time that has gone down in history and shaped the future. Alongside the entertainment provided by these novels, there is a sense of importance and education too.
A Fraction of the Whole is so incredibly laugh-out-loud funny and so unusual it would be a long shot for the prestigious Man Booker prize, though a deserved winner if the judges went in this direction.
The Secret Scripture is profound but touching and startling too and could be a strong contender to win. So too The Northern Clemency – this 736-page epic novel deserves some kudos.
The Clothes on Their Back is interesting and very readable though not as polished as the other five.
In the end, Suzy is choosing Sea Of Poppies as her pick for winner, a historically significant and beautiful book.
Rachel is going for The White Tiger for its poignant and entertaining way of highlighting societal injustices.
Best book 1-6: Suzy:
Sea Of Poppies
The White Tiger
A Fraction of The Whole
The Northern Clemency
The Secret Scripture
The Clothes On Their Back
Best book 1-6: Rachel:
The White Tiger
The Secret Scripture
A Fraction Of The Whole
Sea Of Poppies
The Northern Clemency
The Clothes On Their Back
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Books read:
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