Held by Anne Michaels- A 2024 Booker Prize Longlist Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- Ninth review from this year's Booker Prize longlist.
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Thanks for posting; a very comprehensive and insightful review.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I could not have said this better! Agreed 100%
I’m glad I’m not alone!
As someone who does not generally enjoy or understand poetry, I did not have high expectations for the book. But, I was intrigued enough on my first reading that I went back & reread it - more slowly & chronologically. To me, the theme of the space between life and death (like the space between a flame & a wick, which she mentions) ties it together. I may be way off-base, but it worked for me. I also liked the way seemingly random characters connect throughout the book, as they do in life.
Sorry to hear that you’re disappointed in the list. While I certainly liked some books more than others, I didn’t hate any of them, as I did last year. As someone on BookTube said, they’re all better than Prophet Song.
Hahaha! That’s too funny! 😂
I get why this book didn’t work for everyone but I loved the writing and imagery. I read it as a story of love, loss, longing, and grief. I was so happy to see it make the shortlist.
This is my first year following the Booker, and I was very pleased with the shortlist. I had read four of the finalists and liked them a lot. I’m sad to hear that you are not enjoying the books, but I always love your thoughtful reviews.
I don't tend to DNF, in the vain hope things might get better, if I'm not enjoying a book. You did well to finish this if it felt like a slog. I think the subject sounds good; the haunted past, the photography and ghosts but I'm not sure whether to invest the time. Another great review. You actually make everything sound interesting!
I struggle so hard when it comes to DNFing, too! I’m like you and think I might miss out on the best parts if I quit. If it’s a fairly short book, I almost always stick it out.
Well done for finishing the book Gretchen, I struggled with this one too. I think you’re right that we may have got more out of it if we’d read it slowly. It is an odd Booker list this year for sure.
I always save my copies of Booker books so maybe I will revisit in the future. If I do, I will definitely take my time!
I don’t think it was a failed read on your part - many reviewers had similar experiences, and your review described my reaction perfectly. I also found it frustrating that some of the stories were vividly written but essentially dropped before they were finished. One of several Booker long list books that did not work for me.
At least I’m in good company! You’re right about this one not getting much love.
Holding out hope that it's a 'me' book.
I hope so too!!!
Totally agree with you about this years list. It’s very conservative. I usually find something new to be excited about but it hasn’t been that way this year. I also felt the same about Held. I was engaged until about half way then I got lost.
Way too safe! I have always gravitated toward The Booker because it has been a little edgier and pushes the envelope. I am hoping that this year it is just a symptom of the judging panel and that we get back to a more cutting edge prize next year.
A reader shouldn’t have to work so hard to understand & enjoy fiction. Challenging books should be rewarding.
I really like challenging books so I’m shocked I didn’t gel with this one. Oh well, we can’t like them all! 😊
i read this, the poetry washing over me and it doing absolutely nothing for me, thinking, "this is surely how people who hated 'No One Is Talking About This' felt"
I haven’t read that one yet….now I’m scared 😂