I find it hilarious that I have read 14/16 books and they still managed to shortlist a book I hadn't read 😂 And also one that I had dismissed as having no chance of getting shortlisted. I still feel like this isn't as bad as last year when they spurned Wandering Souls and gave us Pod. 😆
I agree about feeling a bit underwhelmed, especially with River East River West. And I personally was not the biggest fan of Soldier Sailor either, though I can see both their merits in some ways. I loved Enter Ghost and am rooting for it currently, and excited to get to Brotherless Night! But I was hoping to see And Then She Fell, Hangman, and I'd heard such good things about In Defence of the Act that I was thinking we might see it on there too. Looking forward to your thoughts on Dolly Maunder - it's the one I know least about but will also get to eventually!
Looking back on it, I do feel like they went with some obvious choices for the shortlist! Except for RERW... Dolly Maunder was a bit forgettable I find! Which was your favourite after all? Still Enter Ghost?
@@hasteyebooks I agree, for the most part, though Dolly Maunder was a surprise for me! I don't think it'll be an overly memorable novel but I didn't dislike it. I think it portrayed a very realistic look at women's lives in the early 20th century which was interesting but I didn't find most characters too likeable haha. I think it's still Enter Ghost for me for #1, but I enjoyed Brotherless Night as well!
I think River East, River West is a weaker book than Wandering Souls but different judging panel and I still really enjoyed many of the themes in River East, River West especially the way it showed grooming and rape.
I agree with you about the way it showed grooming and such, but I think that was a b-plot and I felt like the main plot about cultural experiences and such fell a bit short. It's a weaker book than Wandering Souls like you said, but also from a lot of other books on this year's longlist. An interesting debut nonetheless and I'd be keen to see what this author does next!
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I find it hilarious that I have read 14/16 books and they still managed to shortlist a book I hadn't read 😂 And also one that I had dismissed as having no chance of getting shortlisted. I still feel like this isn't as bad as last year when they spurned Wandering Souls and gave us Pod. 😆
Omg haha did you managed to finish the other 2?
And 100% agreed - last year was unhinged hahaha
@@hasteyebooks I have read River East, and was underwhelmed. I haven't quite finished A Trace of Sun, but I'll get there.
I was surprised too! Means I’ve only read 1/6 but I did get 4/6 right on predictions! I’d better get reading! 😂
you did amazing at predictions! Did you decide to read the other books? 😆
Pleased my top two made it but sad In Defence Of The Act didn’t although not altogether surprised about it. Great to see your reaction lovely ❤
Yes you're probably right that it was never going to make the shortlist, but a fantastic read nonetheless :)
I agree about feeling a bit underwhelmed, especially with River East River West. And I personally was not the biggest fan of Soldier Sailor either, though I can see both their merits in some ways. I loved Enter Ghost and am rooting for it currently, and excited to get to Brotherless Night! But I was hoping to see And Then She Fell, Hangman, and I'd heard such good things about In Defence of the Act that I was thinking we might see it on there too. Looking forward to your thoughts on Dolly Maunder - it's the one I know least about but will also get to eventually!
Looking back on it, I do feel like they went with some obvious choices for the shortlist! Except for RERW... Dolly Maunder was a bit forgettable I find! Which was your favourite after all? Still Enter Ghost?
@@hasteyebooks I agree, for the most part, though Dolly Maunder was a surprise for me! I don't think it'll be an overly memorable novel but I didn't dislike it. I think it portrayed a very realistic look at women's lives in the early 20th century which was interesting but I didn't find most characters too likeable haha. I think it's still Enter Ghost for me for #1, but I enjoyed Brotherless Night as well!
@@TheFictionalSarah totally agree! And yes Enter Ghost has a very very good chance!
Love your excitement
haha thanks!
So happy soldier sailor is there!!
Yes!! Such a great book!
I think Dolly Maunder shocked us all. River East River West seems a bit weird to me too, there are better books.
Both were shocking picks...I need explanations haha
I think River East, River West is a weaker book than Wandering Souls but different judging panel and I still really enjoyed many of the themes in River East, River West especially the way it showed grooming and rape.
I agree with you about the way it showed grooming and such, but I think that was a b-plot and I felt like the main plot about cultural experiences and such fell a bit short. It's a weaker book than Wandering Souls like you said, but also from a lot of other books on this year's longlist. An interesting debut nonetheless and I'd be keen to see what this author does next!
Very disappointed that Ordinary human failings didn’t make it. I enjoyed Restless Dolly Maunder but don’t think it’s a shortlist worthy book
I expected Ordinary Human Failings wouldn't be there, but turns out when I made my top 6 after reading all 16, it was definitely part of my shortlist!