The summer holidays are the perfect time to read a book in the shade of the sun. This time, we took our inspiration from the judges of the famous Booker Prize.
Here is the longlist for the 2023 Booker Prize, the perfect holiday reading list.
1. A Spell of Good Things by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀:
Set in a Nigerian village, this novel weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and tradition. When a drought threatens the community, a young woman discovers an ancient spell that promises to bring rain and prosperity, but at a great cost.
2. Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry:
This novel transports readers to a small Irish town where folklore and history intertwine. When a mysterious stranger arrives, the town’s past is unearthed, revealing long-buried secrets that challenge the beliefs of its inhabitants.
3. Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein:
In this thought-provoking book, the author explores the complexities of obedience and resistance. Through a series of interconnected stories, readers are taken on a journey that questions societal norms and the choices people make in a world filled with uncertainty.
4. If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery:
This collection of powerful short stories delves into the lives of Jamaican immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of the American dream are skillfully examined in these poignant narratives.
5. How to Build a Boat by Elaine Feeney:
In this poetic and lyrical debut novel, a young woman grapples with personal loss, societal expectations, and the desire for change. The story explores themes of femininity, motherhood, and the resilience of the human spirit.
6. This Other Eden by Paul Harding:
Set in a rural New England town, this novel follows the lives of three generations of a family grappling with their past and their connection to the land. Beautifully written, the book contemplates the cyclical nature of life and the complexities of love and forgiveness.
7. Pearl by Siân Hughes:
This hauntingly atmospheric novel tells the story of a family grappling with the disappearance of their daughter. Set against the backdrop of the rugged Welsh coast, the narrative explores grief, guilt, and the enduring power of folklore.
8. All the Little Bird-Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow:
In this collection of interconnected stories, the author delves into the lives of women from different walks of life, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. The book paints a vivid portrait of the intricacies of human relationships.
9. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch:
Set in Ireland during the Great Famine, this novel follows the journey of a young man trying to survive in a world plagued by hunger and despair. The lyrical prose captures the harsh realities of the time and the indomitable human spirit.
10. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes:
This gripping psychological thriller explores the mind of a man suffering from memory loss, who becomes obsessed with a mysterious painting. As he delves deeper into the artwork’s meaning, he uncovers unsettling truths about his own past.
11. Western Lane by Chetna Maroo:
This captivating novel follows the journey of a young woman as she navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations in modern-day India. The story sheds light on cultural norms and the struggle for personal freedom.
12. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray:
This darkly humorous novel follows the misadventures of an aspiring musician as he navigates the Dublin music scene. Full of quirky characters and witty observations, the book offers a satirical commentary on the pursuit of fame and artistic integrity.
13. The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng:
In this atmospheric and evocative novel, a young woman returns to her childhood home in Malaysia and becomes entangled in a web of family secrets and historical mysteries. The story weaves together past and present, exploring themes of identity and belonging.
