Barrowbeck and Absolution sound right up my street and also wanted to mention how much I'm currently enjoying Monstrilio after your recommendation a while back. It's my first book since reading James earlier this summer where I've been really engrossed and invested. Thanks Ben! 🙌
The Goldsmiths Prize consistently picks winners that I love, so it’s become a prize I really look forward to every year. I could not get into the new Oyeyemi book at all but I would not be surprised to see it on the shortlist. The Watermark sounds a bit like one of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next books, and I love those so I will need to read this one. And shame on me for having not read The Night Alphabet yet. I’ve heard too many raves to keep putting it off. Absolutely no clue about the Nobel this year. It completely snuck up on me.
Goldsmiths is such an interesting prize - I love that they’re on the lookout for inventive stuff. The Night Alphabet is really fantastic, cannot recommend enough!
That sounds so fun! I’m going to wait to see the list to decide if I want to read along this year. But I’m quite enjoying the freedom of reading whatever I want right now 🥹
Really excited for the Goldsmiths list- their hit rate is pretty high! Oyeyemi’s book is *wild* but good fun. Your summary of Murakami was *chef’s kiss*
To be honest I’m a bit intimidated by the Oyeyemi because it’s giving Waidner and I *struggled* with that 😅 I said all that needs to be said on Murakami 💅
I don't believe Murakami will ever win the Nobel. His window has closed ever since the Metoo movement gained traction all over the world. He writes women horribly, only there to serve as wish fulfillment for the male protagonist.
Murakami is the only author on your list that I have read and I would love to see him awarded. At the same time, I couldn’t be mad about either of the others. Whoever it is, I will be happy for them. Thanks, Ben. 💕📚
Murakami has 0 chance imo. I don’t think he is considered as seriously as some other picks. He hasn’t even shown up in like a booker prize. There’s zero sense of urgency to award him
I had a fit of glee when I saw that you made some Goldsmith’s Prize content. 🎉 I’m super excited for the longlist. In other news, Brokeback Mountain, but with Muppets, is now the thought that bubbles up in my mind whenever I subconsciously need a laugh. The classic that should have been.
with the Nobel they usually try diversify it language-wise and French/English authors have won the prize very recently. So I wouldn't consider either Scholastique or Rushdie. Also this year is a woman's year(these days they alternate genders every year). I think it's gonna be an East Asian woman, the odds say Can Xue, she has been Booker nominated twice in the past 6 years which means her recent work is still being received well critically. My guess however is either Yōko Ogowa or Yōko Towada. I would give Yōko Towada a leg up considering she also writes in a European language and the Swedish Academy has proven to be very Eurocentric
That’s so interesting - love trying to spot a trend! Do you know if it’s a conscious diversifying + male/female alternating pattern, or is it just something that has emerged? Not super familiar with Towada, but would love to see Ogawa take it!
@@benreadsgood before the revamped academy, I think only 14 women had won as compared to over 100 men. So I think it's a conscious effort. Wild to think that nearly 20 percent of all female literature laureates have been awarded in the past 5 years.
I have read two books by Helen Oyeyemi, and it both cases I am not entirely sure what I read, or what happened, but I enjoyed it. 😂 I haven't attempted her latest yet. (The Night Alphabet is on my immediate tbr pile)
Haha you are not the first person to say this. I think I’m 50/50 on whether her work will be for me - it’s reminding me of Waidner, and I really struggled with Corey Fah.
Thanks for what sounds like a great bunch of books for the Goldsmiths. Ahh the nobel. my nomination is Slavenka Drakulić. She has a great body of work and seems apropo for the current time
Assuming the academy looks at an entire life and body of work, I vote César Aira. Only his Dictionary of Latinoamerican Authors, which is like 2% of his entire work, has done a lot for Latam literature. He won the Formentor prize, which is one of the most prestigious in Hispanoamerican literature, a couple of years ago.
@@benreadsgood Aira is one of the most popular authors in Argentina (I'm a fan) and pretty prolific. Considering his age (75) and range, I think he would have a good shot. The prize also hasn't gone to anyone from South/Central America since 2010, and the Academy tends to spread the prize around geographically. And coming from the States, I've never heard of the Goldsmiths Prize.
Love the Goldsmiths, especially after they gave the prize to How to be Both by Ali Smith and to Ducks, Newburyport too! Shame on the Booker for not doing so. Rebecca Watson might be there again this year - little scratch was excellent a few years ago and she has a new one out recently.
Looking forward to the Goldsmiths Prize! My kind of book prize. I don't have my finger on the pulse this year and rarely read newer books anyway. Do like to buy them though... As for the Nobel for Lit, Can Xue seems to be a bookie favorite. But who knows. I could see them giving it to Taylor Swift.
I like books where I have some idea what's happening, so I don't keep up with the Goldsmith prize😂. Nevertheless, those books sound very intriguing and I wish I enjoyed more avant-garde works.
Unlike with the Bookers, I've only read the entire Goldsmiths list 3 out of the eleven years and have 'cherry-picked' the others. I do tend to enjoy their selections more, however, so might actually try the entire list again, depending upon what makes it ... most of your predictions have been on my radar and are intriguing - except I refuse to read any more Oyeyemi, since I have detested each of the three books by her I've read. As for the Nobel, I would be very surprised if Rushdie wasn't selected this year, for the reasons you name.
It’s a big obligation to try and read multiple lists every year! Not sure if I will read along but will decide once the list comes out. They do always make really interesting choices though.
I was amazed that Rushdie didn’t get it last year, after the attack and still writing for the integrity of literature. How has Atwood not won? She writes in a variety of styles. Handmaid's Tale remains prophetic. She's prolific. It really should be one of those two.
It does seem like he’d be prime to get it! And Atwood is interesting… I respect her a lot, but I wonder if her proliferation actually goes against her? She has classics like The Handmaid’s Tale, but then also writes a lot of fluff (for instance, I found The Heart Goes Last to be seriously lightweight).
I too have noticed the trend that the Nobel now seems to be consciously switching back and forth from man to woman each year. So, it should be a woman year. Mukasonga is an interesting choice. I read her book Cockroaches and thought it was very well done. Good balance of providing enough information so we can feel the horror but not getting weighed down by the gory details like some other books covering similar subject matter.
The Night Alphabet is one of those books I’ve started but not finished. I might have faired better with text & audio. I was listening on audio but I felt the narrator didn’t suit the story in my mind.
Oh that's interesting - Taylor narrates it herself, doesn't she? I actually saw a live show where she does some staged readings from the books and I thought she did an excellent job. Made me like some of my lesser-fave stories from the novel even more!
Let me know whether you’ve heard of the Goldsmiths Prize (and if it interests you!) and who you think deserves a Nobel 💬
Barrowbeck and Absolution sound right up my street and also wanted to mention how much I'm currently enjoying Monstrilio after your recommendation a while back. It's my first book since reading James earlier this summer where I've been really engrossed and invested. Thanks Ben! 🙌
So glad to hear you are enjoying Monstrilio! It’s such a strange and interesting book. Definitely was thinking about it for a while after.
Rushdie was my first thought too for the Nobel. You'd think Atwood must be due one at some point (although perhaps lacks the 'idealistic' direction!)
Interesting shout on Atwood! Hadn’t considered her but I could imagine it.
The Goldsmiths Prize consistently picks winners that I love, so it’s become a prize I really look forward to every year. I could not get into the new Oyeyemi book at all but I would not be surprised to see it on the shortlist. The Watermark sounds a bit like one of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next books, and I love those so I will need to read this one. And shame on me for having not read The Night Alphabet yet. I’ve heard too many raves to keep putting it off. Absolutely no clue about the Nobel this year. It completely snuck up on me.
Goldsmiths is such an interesting prize - I love that they’re on the lookout for inventive stuff. The Night Alphabet is really fantastic, cannot recommend enough!
I’m doing a Goldsmiths project this year - reading a variety of winners and shortlisted books.
That sounds so fun! I’m going to wait to see the list to decide if I want to read along this year. But I’m quite enjoying the freedom of reading whatever I want right now 🥹
I am reading The Night Alphabet. Surprised it wasn’t on The Women’s Prize longlist.
I know right! When I found out the premise (even before reading it) I had it down as a Women’s Prize winner. And then turns out it is so good!
Really excited for the Goldsmiths list- their hit rate is pretty high! Oyeyemi’s book is *wild* but good fun.
Your summary of Murakami was *chef’s kiss*
To be honest I’m a bit intimidated by the Oyeyemi because it’s giving Waidner and I *struggled* with that 😅
I said all that needs to be said on Murakami 💅
@@benreadsgood It’s a lot of fun! I also have no idea what happened throughout the book, but it’s a fun ride!
I don't believe Murakami will ever win the Nobel. His window has closed ever since the Metoo movement gained traction all over the world. He writes women horribly, only there to serve as wish fulfillment for the male protagonist.
It’s interesting how divisive he has become - could well completely put off the Nobel from rewarding him, especially after their own scandals.
Murakami is the only author on your list that I have read and I would love to see him awarded. At the same time, I couldn’t be mad about either of the others. Whoever it is, I will be happy for them. Thanks, Ben. 💕📚
Thank you for watching 🙌
Murakami has 0 chance imo. I don’t think he is considered as seriously as some other picks. He hasn’t even shown up in like a booker prize. There’s zero sense of urgency to award him
I had a fit of glee when I saw that you made some Goldsmith’s Prize content. 🎉 I’m super excited for the longlist. In other news, Brokeback Mountain, but with Muppets, is now the thought that bubbles up in my mind whenever I subconsciously need a laugh. The classic that should have been.
Haha well I'm glad someone else cares!!!
"I wish I knew how to quit you... Kermit" 🥹
with the Nobel they usually try diversify it language-wise and French/English authors have won the prize very recently. So I wouldn't consider either Scholastique or Rushdie. Also this year is a woman's year(these days they alternate genders every year). I think it's gonna be an East Asian woman, the odds say Can Xue, she has been Booker nominated twice in the past 6 years which means her recent work is still being received well critically. My guess however is either Yōko Ogowa or Yōko Towada. I would give Yōko Towada a leg up considering she also writes in a European language and the Swedish Academy has proven to be very Eurocentric
That’s so interesting - love trying to spot a trend! Do you know if it’s a conscious diversifying + male/female alternating pattern, or is it just something that has emerged?
Not super familiar with Towada, but would love to see Ogawa take it!
@@benreadsgood before the revamped academy, I think only 14 women had won as compared to over 100 men. So I think it's a conscious effort. Wild to think that nearly 20 percent of all female literature laureates have been awarded in the past 5 years.
Murnane and Wright would be my best guess for an Australian author.
Hearing lots of support for those two! Not long until we find out.
Alexis Wright as a contender for the Nobel?
Definitely a contender, and it would cap off a truly excellent year for her!
I have read two books by Helen Oyeyemi, and it both cases I am not entirely sure what I read, or what happened, but I enjoyed it. 😂 I haven't attempted her latest yet.
(The Night Alphabet is on my immediate tbr pile)
Haha you are not the first person to say this. I think I’m 50/50 on whether her work will be for me - it’s reminding me of Waidner, and I really struggled with Corey Fah.
Salman is a tough one this year. I don’t think so.
Not long until we find out 👀
Thanks for what sounds like a great bunch of books for the Goldsmiths. Ahh the nobel. my nomination is Slavenka Drakulić. She has a great body of work and seems apropo for the current time
Ooh I haven’t heard of her before! I’ll have to check her out.
Assuming the academy looks at an entire life and body of work, I vote César Aira. Only his Dictionary of Latinoamerican Authors, which is like 2% of his entire work, has done a lot for Latam literature. He won the Formentor prize, which is one of the most prestigious in Hispanoamerican literature, a couple of years ago.
I have not heard of Aura before, so I’ll have to check him out! Thanks for bringing him to my attention 😊
@@benreadsgood Aira is one of the most popular authors in Argentina (I'm a fan) and pretty prolific. Considering his age (75) and range, I think he would have a good shot. The prize also hasn't gone to anyone from South/Central America since 2010, and the Academy tends to spread the prize around geographically.
And coming from the States, I've never heard of the Goldsmiths Prize.
I hope that The Night Alphabet gets listed as it means it will push me to read it quicker. Hopefully I will read it anyways!! ☺️❤️
I
It’s such a fab book! Weird and wonderful.
Murnane, always and only Murnane.
I saw The Disco King mention him, but I hadn’t heard of him before. Will have to check him out!
Haruki Murakami! Nobel Prize for Haruki Murakami right now!
I think that would make a lot of people happy! And, to be honest, a lot of other people furious 😂
Another book set in Durham, what could be better?😊but not much could be better than Cuddy!
Cuddy is a high barrier to clear! But I’ve heard great things about Mother Naked.
Love the Goldsmiths, especially after they gave the prize to How to be Both by Ali Smith and to Ducks, Newburyport too! Shame on the Booker for not doing so. Rebecca Watson might be there again this year - little scratch was excellent a few years ago and she has a new one out recently.
Watson is definitely a contender! Could imagine I Will Crash being on the list for sure.
Looking forward to the Goldsmiths Prize! My kind of book prize. I don't have my finger on the pulse this year and rarely read newer books anyway. Do like to buy them though... As for the Nobel for Lit, Can Xue seems to be a bookie favorite. But who knows. I could see them giving it to Taylor Swift.
I have seen Can Xue mentioned quite a bit so definitely seems to be in the running 👀
Taylor is old news, give it to Chappell! 😂
I like books where I have some idea what's happening, so I don't keep up with the Goldsmith prize😂. Nevertheless, those books sound very intriguing and I wish I enjoyed more avant-garde works.
They’re not all completely indecipherable, I promise 😅
I know Jon fosse just won but Karl ove knausgaard is an excellent writer and would be incredibly deserving
Knausgaard definitely feels like a future winner - but I reckon it might be another 10 years or so!
Unlike with the Bookers, I've only read the entire Goldsmiths list 3 out of the eleven years and have 'cherry-picked' the others. I do tend to enjoy their selections more, however, so might actually try the entire list again, depending upon what makes it ... most of your predictions have been on my radar and are intriguing - except I refuse to read any more Oyeyemi, since I have detested each of the three books by her I've read. As for the Nobel, I would be very surprised if Rushdie wasn't selected this year, for the reasons you name.
It’s a big obligation to try and read multiple lists every year! Not sure if I will read along but will decide once the list comes out. They do always make really interesting choices though.
I was amazed that Rushdie didn’t get it last year, after the attack and still writing for the integrity of literature.
How has Atwood not won? She writes in a variety of styles. Handmaid's Tale remains prophetic. She's prolific. It really should be one of those two.
It does seem like he’d be prime to get it!
And Atwood is interesting… I respect her a lot, but I wonder if her proliferation actually goes against her? She has classics like The Handmaid’s Tale, but then also writes a lot of fluff (for instance, I found The Heart Goes Last to be seriously lightweight).
I too have noticed the trend that the Nobel now seems to be consciously switching back and forth from man to woman each year. So, it should be a woman year. Mukasonga is an interesting choice. I read her book Cockroaches and thought it was very well done. Good balance of providing enough information so we can feel the horror but not getting weighed down by the gory details like some other books covering similar subject matter.
It’s interesting how that pattern has emerged - I wonder if it’s on purpose 🤔
From what I can tell, it is on purpose because people have complained.
The Night Alphabet is one of those books I’ve started but not finished. I might have faired better with text & audio. I was listening on audio but I felt the narrator didn’t suit the story in my mind.
Oh that's interesting - Taylor narrates it herself, doesn't she? I actually saw a live show where she does some staged readings from the books and I thought she did an excellent job. Made me like some of my lesser-fave stories from the novel even more!
#RushdieForNobel
It wouldn’t surprise me if it happened!
Someone from Arab world may win the Nobel prize. Just a guess
Could definitely happen!
I don't take any notice of these so-called Prizes. I am sure the publishers who throw enough money at the award committees, etc will win.
Pretty sure that’s not how it works. But easy enough to ignore book prizes if you’re not interested.