Haven’t watched any other book tube because I’m focusing on reading from my shelves. But I do allow myself one new book a month, so I was excited for this catch up. Thanks
Lovely to see some of your plant and home decor pieces you showcased in a previous video now in situ (I think?). Might be a while until I can get to Birnham Wood. Books here in NZ very expensive and can't get it at the library yet. So keen for the Macbeth connection. I read such an interesting interview with Eleanor Catton recently and the double edged sword of being a relatively young book prize winner.
Oooh that sounds an interesting connection. There was another book with a MacBeth connection I think mum spotted in my predictions. A more obvious one would have been Lady MacBethad which has just come out here.
My guesses for the longlist: Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver Trespasses by Louise Kennedy Lucy By the Sea by Elizabeth Strout Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell Joan by Katherine Chen Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmuss Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley Horse by Geraldine Brooks Sea of Tranquillity by Emily St. John Mandel I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai Maame by Jessica George Book of Goose by Yiyun Li Furrows by Namwali Serpell
One of the things I love most about your channel is that you're a man who loves, and extensively reads, lit by women. (And that you wear author shirts. Do you get comments about them when you're out?) I loved the Adebayo. A very slow start, but the writing was beautiful and I really enjoyed the second half. Horse was an easy 5 stars...Worth overcoming your fear of horses! (Funny to me because I live across from two horse farms. You probably wouldn't be able to visit without wearing a blindfold and ear plugs. 😂 )
Hahaha. The only comments I’ve had from them tend to be at bookish events and so are really lovely. I do love my Daphers tshirt. I wish they did the colourful one in my side. Very excited for Ayobami. Especially as I’ll be seeing her next week. Hahaha, I’m actually ok with horses IRL… unless they get to close. And weirdly I love donkeys and zebras. So there we go.
I loved the Luminaries (might be built-in fellow New Zealander bias...) but given how different it was from her other book, The Rehearsal, I wouldn't be surprised if Birnham Wood has a totally different feel and those who didn't like the Luminaries end up liking Birnham Wood.
The fact I’d heard her first two books are so different gives me hope for Birnam Wood. I liked the idea of The Luminaries, I just felt I could see Catton pulling the strings of her characters and I don’t want to see the puppetry. I am very much in a minority. Ha.
Can’t believe it’s Women’s Fiction Prize time again. One of my favourite times of the year for reading too, and something about the arrival of Spring makes it an exciting time of year! This has me intrigued about This Devastating Fever - added it to the wish list!
I have a feeling (and hope) that 'Demon Copperhead' makes an appearance on the long list. In fact, I'd be willing to wager it's in with a shot for the prize.
Oh it definitely is. This was just my list and I’ve had a bumpy ride with Kingsolver in the past. If she’s on the list I look forward to trying her again. I think she may have been someone mum would predict actually.
Awwww thank you. I think I might film in this mode more in future videos. Not vlogs as they are more on the go but sit down chats like these I think I might.
I’ve got three that continue to reside in my brain since I’ve read them. 1. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell 2. Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh 3. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (the next great American classic, in my humble opinion)
Wow. That is some praise indeed for a Kingsolver. I don’t know why I am just not fussed about it. Maybe I’ll see what all the fuss is about if it’s longlisted.
Here’s my predictions. I have no idea about UK eligibility dates, and the list is probably far more mainstream than what will likely happen. 1. The Birdcatcher by Gayl Jones 2. The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty 3. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell 4. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 5. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton 6. Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie Mortimer 7. Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley 8. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 9. The Furrows by Namwali Serpell 10. Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh 11. A Spell of Good Things by Ayobami Adebayo 12. River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer 13. The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li 14. After Sappho by Selby Wynn Schwartz 15. People Person by Candice Carty-Williams 16. Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout This Devastating Fever sounds stunning, BTW. It’ll be on my radar whenever it trickles down here.
Oooh a fabulous mix of books there. Only one I think isn’t eligible there is Maddie Mortimer which came out on the 31st of March last year… I was shocked that it therefore didn’t make last years list.
I don’t really have a list. Great selection from you. Would love to see Maggie Ofarrell and Kate Atkinson on it though regardless. I also need to get copies of I’m A Fan and The Furrows as they sound right up my street. Fab video as always. Thanks Simon. 💜
Always love to see an AusLit title in your predictions (I’ve seen raves about it but haven’t read myself yet!) some exciting titles to look forward to, and always look forward to your content with Louise 💖
I struggled with Aussie books this year which I actually found a bit concerning. I’ve loads on my shelves which would be eligable… if they only had publishers over here.
Hi Simon great, as usual. Halfway thru Birnam Wood, as it were. Didn't particularly enjoy The Luminaries. This is ok. Will give u a verdict in due course. Brutes sounds v different.
So many potential longlisters this year- I feel like usually there are a few almost guaranteed ones but this year I’ve got no idea! Very excited for the announcement. Got to add as many of these to my Libby tbr so I can get ahead with my reading and avoid the hold queues 😅
I really like Dazzling and The Dance Tree is sooo good. I hope they makes the longlist. I wonder is Maame will as well. I think that going to attract a lot of attention.
Loved watching this! Thanks for the shoutout re wetting myself while reading Really Good, Actually 😅😂 I love so many of your choices including Briefly, A Delicious Life and I’m a Fan. And I can’t wait to read Brutes. Great video.
Awwww thanks so much Libby. That Instagram video was GOLD. I am slightly worried I’m A Fan is too short. But we shall see. People were saying same about Woman Eating in the chat. Hmmmm.
I look forward to this time of year and the Women’s Prize videos you make on your own and with your mum. I hope to read the long list when it is announced - no matter how it turns out, I love your list, too. I have added titles to check out. On another note, you look fab in this video. The light was just gorgeous coming in to your library.
‘Briefly a delicious life’ sounds good. Have just finished Lapvona today, which I’d been really looking forward to having loved her other books but unfortunately I found it a surprising disappointment. Loved the idea of it and the world she created but after the first section is all fell apart and never really recovered. Would love to see ‘The Colony’ and ‘Maps of our spectacular bodies’ on the long list
The Colony and Maps were eligable last year, as I’ve discovered was Woman Eating. Lapvona is definitely not going to be for everyone, but wouldn’t life be dull if we all liked the same books? The differing tastes and debate is all part of the fun.
Sad to have missed the live chat on this as I was stuck in traffic :( What a great sounding selection of books (lots to add to my wish list!), the only one I've already read is The Dance Tree which I adored. I'd like to read all of the longlist but it's probably only achievable if I've already read a couple of them. Looking forward to the rest of your Women's Prize content. 💜
I think if you’re not crazy like mum and I and read them over the whole time period of March to June, rather than March to end of April, it is waaaay more doable. I keep forgetting I’m meant to be actually judging a prize. Oops.
I have the Geraldine Brooks' Horse, look forward to reading it eventually, bought an old book titled Horses of Heaven today at the library sale, I'm sensing a theme here.
Loved this video. Sadly I think Woman, Eating may not be eligible because it was published too long ago. Happily surprised that you predicted Birnam Wood. Your list has made me realize just how many amazing eligible books there are. So many other titles come to mind (of course O’Farrell and Kingsolver and Atkinson and Strout). Can’t wait for the 7th!
You’re right about Woman Eating. I feel worse I didn’t mention it more last year. Sighs. However it did mention it here and this video tends to get some good views. In that case O’Farrell would be in my top 16 although I’m now thinking about Maame and River Sing Me Home or Wild Fires. Too many amazing books, what a lovely predicament for us all. So many people banging on about Kingsolver, ha, maybe I’ll read it this weekend and film my reaction. Hahaha.
@@SavidgeReads you crack me up! I actually somehow feel that Demon Copperhead is more a Booker book but it could be one of those great books that somehow misses all the big prizes.
Love the list, and a great video as always (tbh the main reason I did my own prediction video is because I enjoy yours so much every year!) Definitely a tough year for the judges… it’s been a spectacular 12 months for fiction by women. First I’ve heard of This Devastating Fever, and it’s immediately going on my Waterstones wish list.
I think This Devastating Fever is going to be amazing, one of my favourite Aussie authors Charlotte Wood raved about it and boom I was sold. Also, Woman Eating was my The Colony, I so thought it was out last summer. Nope! And enjoyed your predictions video very very much so glad you did one.
I really want to read as many on the longlist as possible, but I can't be buying them all like last year. I've got my fingers crossed that own a fair few already!
Thanks Simon. Watching you and your mum last year looked like so much fun, I am going to *try* to join in and read the long list this year! I would love to see more updates along the way. Maybe as you each finish a book, you do a video review of it. It seemed several of the books we didn’t hear your thoughts about until the short list prediction. That way everyone can discuss them as we read them.
I don’t know if a video per book might be a bit much especially as we read them in just over a month between long and shortlist and 16 videos each on our channels could be intense. I am wondering if maybe we could pick a couple where we read the same book in one video and intersplice our thoughts maybe. We definitely talk about all the longlist at shortlist stage as we reveal if it’s a yes or no for each book and why, with the other not knowing which way it’s going to go for the other. Wow that got confusing 🤣
Hi Simon….Hello from Chemainus( dubbed ‘the little town that did’) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. I am a new sub and very happy to have come upon your channel. I am also ‘back on board’ (boat pun not intended after hearing you don’t like boats😜) with reading after many yrs of not and appreciate your book commentaries, reviews, and suggestions. We have the same birthday numbers ‘24’ 😁 mine being Sept, and you share a birthday with my hairdresser 💇♀️( just the date of course) so how can I not celebrate with you🥳 next month. I’m also on a binge and catching up watching your previous videos. Looking forward to adding to my library this year with your channel. 📚
Awww thank you for such a lovely message Taneese. Welcome to the channel. I hope you keep on enjoying it and find many, many, many books to get on board with. Ha. 24 also happens to be my second favourite number. So there’s something else about it. 12 is my absolute favourite. Ha. Thanks again for the lovely comment.
SO hard to make a list cause there's just so many books out there that could make it. Brutes sounds fascinating! i've got lots of tentative library reservations in case various things make the longlist, so excited for the announcement now.
Love your list!! I’m going cheat because I think Woman, eating and The swimmers were both published before March 31 2022…but if they ARE eligible I’m adding them to my list: Big Swiss; Birnam Wood; Briefly, a delicious life; Brutes; Fight night; Fire Rush; Night crawling; Really good, actually; Someday, maybe; Wandering souls; The sun walks down; This devastating fever; The furrows; The marriage portrait; The rabbit hutch; Wild geese.
I’ve just checked and you’re right about Woman Eating. Drats. Now I feel even worse that it didn’t make my books of the year… but I have at least got to talk about it here again. And this tends to be quite a well watched video, not blowing my own trumped. Big Swiss isn’t her till June and I wish it had the US cover. Fight Night, Fire Rush definitely got some consideration from me.
I did think about reading them in a specific order and seeing if people want to join in but some may have already been read and I know mum likes to go by mood. We shall see after the actual list comes out.
I felt exactly the same about The Water Cure! Interested to see what you think of Cursed Bread because I'd definitely be up for trying Sophie Mackintosh again 👌
@@SavidgeReads clearly passed me by 😂😂 but yep you're correct: Blue Ticket in 2020! Can't believe Water Cure was 2018... gonna go stare at a wall and reevaluate the concept of time 😂😭
Just put Catton's and Cunningham's novels on my library reserve lists based on your predictions. I've been looking at both for a little while but you gave me a push 😊 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, happy reading, love a good list.
Thanks for your terrific predictions, or, as I call it, my next TBR. I absolutely fell in love with Elizabeth Zott (and 6.30) so would love to see Bonnie Garmus's ''Lessons in Chemistry" on the long list. I also read "The Mariage Portrait" and was totally immersed in the story. I can't wait to hear you and your Mum discussing it all in March.
I think Bonnie’s book could definitely be on the list. It’s one both mum and I have read. I liked it loads, as I said I could have made a whole predictions of books I had read, I just don’t want a list of books I’ve read hahaha.
This Devastating Fever sounds really interesting- I hadn’t heard of that one! I hadn’t thought of The Dance Tree, but it’s one I really want to read so would love to see it on the list. I predicted Woman, Eating as well, would love to see that come up so I get to it - you’ve made me want to read it even more! Nightcrawling was another one I picked, and I’m reading it at the moment. Brilliant list, I’m so excited for the announcement now. 😊📚
Sadly, Woman Eating was eligible for last years prize. Which really surprised me. But I’ve chatted about it here again so that’s good. Can’t wait for the official list to be announced!
Thanks, Simon!🌷I’m soooo looking forward to March 7th and to yours and Louise’s WP videos!!! I can’t think of anything for you to add to or to change from how you did it last year: it was just lovely and perfect!😊📚When I started wondering “where’s Maggie O’Farrell?” you provided the answer, as on cue 😂I would also like to see Lucy by the Sea on the longlist (one of my favourites of 2022 too). I have The Dance Tree and I hope it will make the list too. A book I’m very curious about and I’ve been waiting for a …good reason 😉to buy for quite a while is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (I find the title alone irresistible 😊).
Yes. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow was one I considered, along with Bonnie Garmus actually. As another more commercial pic but wasn’t sure. We shall see.
Some good ones on there... A Spell of Good Things is a favourite. I really hope Maame by Jessica George makes the list. Have you read it yet? In Memoriam by Alice Winn is brilliant! It may well be my favourite this year so far. Lady Macbethad would be great to see on there too.
I don’t have Alice Winn yet, but I’ve heard it’s on the way. I can’t wait for Lady Macbethad, I think that could be a contender, I don’t have that one yet either. Maame I do have and am very excited for.
Hello Simon 🎉 I ll get Horse even though I feel the same as you about horses. Really interested in A Spell of Good Things too Oeuvre œuvre The Furrows will be a must for me.
It was very graphic in parts, for some reason it was fine for me. I’ve quite a strong stomach for that though… it’s one end of the Savidge Catnip Spectrum, the dark twisted end.
@@whatsthetemma1308 oh Emma sorry to hear that. Your message has shown up in full. So lovely to hear you got into the prize through the channel/me. Made me beam. Sending you a big hug!
This has completely whet my appetite for The Women’s Prize (as if it needed it). 😂 Birnam Wood is a Macbeth ref - any connection? Thanks for kick-starting the anticipation ❤❤❤
Ooh it could be a Macbeth reference. Speaking of which Lady Macbethad is also eligable I just don’t have it yet but do want to read it. I’m gutted to learn Woman Eating isn’t eligable. I will have to make you read it so we can talk about it as I think you’d like it. Less than two weeks to go!
A great list, Simon! I don’t think I’ve read any of them. I have some investigating to do. I have to agree with some other commenters that I’ll be shocked if Demon Copperhead isn’t on the list. Not that I’ve read it or want to read it. Just because so many people are raving about it. That’s really my only prediction. So, I guess the list is out two weeks from today. A bit of a wait.
I’ve heard raves but personally I am not that fussed about reading it, so I thought maybe a judge or two might feel the same way. If it’s in the list of course I’ll read it. But I probably won’t if it’s not. I DNF’d The Lacuna and don’t love Dickens so… 😬 hahaha. Would be boring if we all liked the same things though.
@@SavidgeReadsh, for goodness sakes. Of course I’ve read Nightcrawling. It was in my top five last year. I absolutely loved it and want to see it get more love than just just the Booker longlist. I knew there was something that was tickling my brain when I wrote that I didn’t think I’d read any of the books on your list. I’ve just added some of these to my wishlist, including Schoolhouse and the new Fiona McFarlane that you mentioned in an aside. Some like Birnam Wood and Briefly, A Delicious Life we’re already on my wishlist.
I normally love reading the list but I’m on a book buying ban. I love the sound of Brutes. I’d love to see Love Marriage by Monica Ali on the list, it seems to have fallen under the radar.
I do wonder if Demon Copperhead and The Marriage Portrait and Lucy By the Sea will be on there? Stone Blind wasn't great on audiobook IMHO, I found it a bit infantile. I know Greek Gods can be petulant but I didn't enjoy listening to Perseus go on and on about trivial stuff, would have preferred that his voice wasn't in it at all. I really wanted to like it but it wasn't a shade on Madeline Miller's Circe.
Equally like you Simon I would love to see Lapvona make the list, I just think it's more than good enough and I just thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it and appreciating the plotting, the pacing, the characterisation, just wonderful! I'd also really like to see True Biz & Milk Teeth make the list but I've also done a full predictions video here: th-cam.com/video/YP_JpWE1u2U/w-d-xo.html I think not picking the big name authors is probably the way to go as the womens prize seems to like the lesser known books/authors for them to then highlight, with a few big name authors sprinkled in. Either way, I'm very much looking forward to the announcement in 2 weeks time and hope they're all a surprise to me as I'd love a fresh stack of books to read!
I watched your video yesterday and thought I had commented but maybe I didn’t. I do that a lot, mentally comment, physically forget with a lot of video. Milk Teeth is a book I need to read. I loved Saltwater and it was the winner when I chaired the Portico Prize. I dunno if I feel that no big names will be on the list as in years gone by there’s been some on long and shortlists, they just might not have won. Though Kingsolver and Ozeki have. But I think that’s happening more and more with prizes. No author is a safe bet and that’s exciting.
There’s only 4 probable contenders that I’ve read that I’d love to see on the long list Demon Copperhead Tresspasses by Louise Kennedy Lucy By The Sea Lessons in Chemistry 🍀👋☘️📚📖📕☕️
I did consider Lessons in Chemistry, which I liked a lot, I would also be happy to see Trespasses on the list and get to read it. Lucy By The Sea was my joint 20th prediction hahaha.
This is my wishlist (not predictions): Disorientation Take My Hand True Biz All this could be different After Sappho Patricia Wants To Cuddle Bad Fruit The Pharmacist Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Ooh True Biz I don’t have on my shelves or it would have been in the mix. I don’t think Patricia Wants a Cuddle is eligable for this year as it’s out here after April 1st, next year it will be though. So many potential books for this year.
Birnam Wood isn't great. It's mostly a long rant about NZ politics. There is very little about eco- warriors and the literary thriller component barely exists. Great writing but that's about it. I think it's being hyped by the literary world but as an ordinary reader it fell flat
Oooh I’ll have to see how I feel when I get around to it. I’ve only heard great stuff, good to get a mixture of opinions on every thing, books can be so subjective.
Haven’t watched any other book tube because I’m focusing on reading from my shelves. But I do allow myself one new book a month, so I was excited for this catch up. Thanks
A pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!
Lovely to see some of your plant and home decor pieces you showcased in a previous video now in situ (I think?). Might be a while until I can get to Birnham Wood. Books here in NZ very expensive and can't get it at the library yet. So keen for the Macbeth connection. I read such an interesting interview with Eleanor Catton recently and the double edged sword of being a relatively young book prize winner.
Oooh that sounds an interesting connection. There was another book with a MacBeth connection I think mum spotted in my predictions. A more obvious one would have been Lady MacBethad which has just come out here.
My guesses for the longlist:
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Trespasses by Louise Kennedy
Lucy By the Sea by Elizabeth Strout
Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Joan by Katherine Chen
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmuss
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
Sea of Tranquillity by Emily St. John Mandel
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Maame by Jessica George
Book of Goose by Yiyun Li
Furrows by Namwali Serpell
Ooooh interesting. I know the list now so am saying NOTHING till Tuesday. Hahaha.
@@SavidgeReads You know the list?! I am experiencing extreme jealousy.
I just want to get a t-shirt like yours now.
You can! They are on the Womens Prize website 😉
One of the things I love most about your channel is that you're a man who loves, and extensively reads, lit by women. (And that you wear author shirts. Do you get comments about them when you're out?)
I loved the Adebayo. A very slow start, but the writing was beautiful and I really enjoyed the second half. Horse was an easy 5 stars...Worth overcoming your fear of horses! (Funny to me because I live across from two horse farms. You probably wouldn't be able to visit without wearing a blindfold and ear plugs. 😂 )
Hahaha. The only comments I’ve had from them tend to be at bookish events and so are really lovely. I do love my Daphers tshirt. I wish they did the colourful one in my side. Very excited for Ayobami. Especially as I’ll be seeing her next week. Hahaha, I’m actually ok with horses IRL… unless they get to close. And weirdly I love donkeys and zebras. So there we go.
I loved the Luminaries (might be built-in fellow New Zealander bias...) but given how different it was from her other book, The Rehearsal, I wouldn't be surprised if Birnham Wood has a totally different feel and those who didn't like the Luminaries end up liking Birnham Wood.
The fact I’d heard her first two books are so different gives me hope for Birnam Wood. I liked the idea of The Luminaries, I just felt I could see Catton pulling the strings of her characters and I don’t want to see the puppetry. I am very much in a minority. Ha.
Can’t believe it’s Women’s Fiction Prize time again. One of my favourite times of the year for reading too, and something about the arrival of Spring makes it an exciting time of year!
This has me intrigued about This Devastating Fever - added it to the wish list!
Hope you enjoy This Devastating Fever when you get to it! Here’s to Womens Prize and Spring season!
I really really liked Year of Wonders.
It’s a corking book. Maybe I could reread it and visit Eyam at some point.
@@SavidgeReads Great idea for a travel vlog.
I have a feeling (and hope) that 'Demon Copperhead' makes an appearance on the long list. In fact, I'd be willing to wager it's in with a shot for the prize.
Oh it definitely is. This was just my list and I’ve had a bumpy ride with Kingsolver in the past. If she’s on the list I look forward to trying her again. I think she may have been someone mum would predict actually.
UGH Simon! You are such a delight! Every time I put on one of your videos you just put me in the best mood
That is LOVELY to hear. Thank you.
The camera work here is brilliant! Love the light and shade and the blurry background. Also! I adore this video, so many good recommendations
Awwww thank you. I think I might film in this mode more in future videos. Not vlogs as they are more on the go but sit down chats like these I think I might.
I’ve got three that continue to reside in my brain since I’ve read them.
1. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
2. Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh
3. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (the next great American classic, in my humble opinion)
Wow. That is some praise indeed for a Kingsolver. I don’t know why I am just not fussed about it. Maybe I’ll see what all the fuss is about if it’s longlisted.
Here’s my predictions. I have no idea about UK eligibility dates, and the list is probably far more mainstream than what will likely happen.
1. The Birdcatcher by Gayl Jones
2. The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
3. The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
4. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
5. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
6. Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie Mortimer
7. Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
8. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
9. The Furrows by Namwali Serpell
10. Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh
11. A Spell of Good Things by Ayobami Adebayo
12. River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer
13. The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li
14. After Sappho by Selby Wynn Schwartz
15. People Person by Candice Carty-Williams
16. Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout
This Devastating Fever sounds stunning, BTW. It’ll be on my radar whenever it trickles down here.
Oooh a fabulous mix of books there. Only one I think isn’t eligible there is Maddie Mortimer which came out on the 31st of March last year… I was shocked that it therefore didn’t make last years list.
@@SavidgeReads Too bad about Mortimer! Horse would have been my next choice.
An interesting selection of books. Thank you 😀
A pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.
I would love if Her Majesty's Royal Coven was longlisted! I had no idea that Sophie Macintosh had a new book. That's exciting!
I would love to see both of those on the list. Loved Juno’s and Cursed Bread just sounds brilliant.
I don’t really have a list. Great selection from you. Would love to see Maggie Ofarrell and Kate Atkinson on it though regardless. I also need to get copies of I’m A Fan and The Furrows as they sound right up my street. Fab video as always. Thanks Simon. 💜
An absolute pleasure. Here’s to many fabulous reads ahead, on and off the list.
Always love to see an AusLit title in your predictions (I’ve seen raves about it but haven’t read myself yet!) some exciting titles to look forward to, and always look forward to your content with Louise 💖
I struggled with Aussie books this year which I actually found a bit concerning. I’ve loads on my shelves which would be eligable… if they only had publishers over here.
@@SavidgeReads I’ve admittedly not been totally blown away by many I’ve read recently 😬 which makes me feel terrible to say out loud
I'm so excited to watch you and your mom delve into the women's prize again ♥️
I am really excited to get reading with mum and chatting about the official 16 books! Not long to go!
Hi Simon great, as usual. Halfway thru Birnam Wood, as it were. Didn't particularly enjoy The Luminaries. This is ok. Will give u a verdict in due course. Brutes sounds v different.
Oooh only ok. Hahaha. Once we’ve both read it let’s chat, to avoid any spoilers 😉 Brutes is brilliant. Think about it a lot still.
So many potential longlisters this year- I feel like usually there are a few almost guaranteed ones but this year I’ve got no idea! Very excited for the announcement.
Got to add as many of these to my Libby tbr so I can get ahead with my reading and avoid the hold queues 😅
I think there are no safe bets/predictions/authors this year which I find sooooo exciting. I am on countdown to the 7th.
I really like Dazzling and The Dance Tree is sooo good. I hope they makes the longlist. I wonder is Maame will as well. I think that going to attract a lot of attention.
I’m seeing some big buzz around Maame too. Another one I considered. Sooooo many good books and sooooo many options.
I would LOVE a video on books set in apartment blocks!!
I have a potential mini tbr for it so that could be on the way 😉
I knew you’d start off with Adebayo’s new book 😂and I’ll be seeing you at Blackwell’s on Tuesday 🤞🏾
I also have Dazzling and The Furrows on my tbr!
Ooooh I’m so pleased you’ll be there on Tuesday!!!
Loved watching this! Thanks for the shoutout re wetting myself while reading Really Good, Actually 😅😂 I love so many of your choices including Briefly, A Delicious Life and I’m a Fan. And I can’t wait to read Brutes. Great video.
Awwww thanks so much Libby. That Instagram video was GOLD. I am slightly worried I’m A Fan is too short. But we shall see. People were saying same about Woman Eating in the chat. Hmmmm.
I look forward to this time of year and the Women’s Prize videos you make on your own and with your mum. I hope to read the long list when it is announced - no matter how it turns out, I love your list, too. I have added titles to check out.
On another note, you look fab in this video. The light was just gorgeous coming in to your library.
Awwww thanks very much Linda. I had the Womens Prize glow about me. The excitement glow. Hahaha.
‘Briefly a delicious life’ sounds good. Have just finished Lapvona today, which I’d been really looking forward to having loved her other books but unfortunately I found it a surprising disappointment. Loved the idea of it and the world she created but after the first section is all fell apart and never really recovered. Would love to see ‘The Colony’ and ‘Maps of our spectacular bodies’ on the long list
The Colony and Maps were eligable last year, as I’ve discovered was Woman Eating. Lapvona is definitely not going to be for everyone, but wouldn’t life be dull if we all liked the same books? The differing tastes and debate is all part of the fun.
Sad to have missed the live chat on this as I was stuck in traffic :(
What a great sounding selection of books (lots to add to my wish list!), the only one I've already read is The Dance Tree which I adored. I'd like to read all of the longlist but it's probably only achievable if I've already read a couple of them.
Looking forward to the rest of your Women's Prize content. 💜
I think if you’re not crazy like mum and I and read them over the whole time period of March to June, rather than March to end of April, it is waaaay more doable. I keep forgetting I’m meant to be actually judging a prize. Oops.
I have the Geraldine Brooks' Horse, look forward to reading it eventually, bought an old book titled Horses of Heaven today at the library sale, I'm sensing a theme here.
Hahaha. I’ve accumulated quite a lot of horse related/titled/covered books lately, there must be something in the air.
Thank you, Simon. The only one I've read is "Nightcrawling" which I liked very much. There are about 15 more I'd like to read.
Hahahaha. There will be even more when the actual list comes out I’m sure.
Please read March by Geraldine Brooks - its great
I have a copy so I’m sure I will eventually. I love her writing. Horse will be my next of hers though.
Loved this video. Sadly I think Woman, Eating may not be eligible because it was published too long ago. Happily surprised that you predicted Birnam Wood. Your list has made me realize just how many amazing eligible books there are. So many other titles come to mind (of course O’Farrell and Kingsolver and Atkinson and Strout). Can’t wait for the 7th!
You’re right about Woman Eating. I feel worse I didn’t mention it more last year. Sighs. However it did mention it here and this video tends to get some good views. In that case O’Farrell would be in my top 16 although I’m now thinking about Maame and River Sing Me Home or Wild Fires. Too many amazing books, what a lovely predicament for us all. So many people banging on about Kingsolver, ha, maybe I’ll read it this weekend and film my reaction. Hahaha.
@@SavidgeReads you crack me up! I actually somehow feel that Demon Copperhead is more a Booker book but it could be one of those great books that somehow misses all the big prizes.
Brilliant! So g;ad I found you! Thank you!!
Awwww thank YOU for the lovely comment.
Hype for this prize and all you and your mom do regarding it 🙌🏿
Awwww thanks.
Love the list, and a great video as always (tbh the main reason I did my own prediction video is because I enjoy yours so much every year!)
Definitely a tough year for the judges… it’s been a spectacular 12 months for fiction by women.
First I’ve heard of This Devastating Fever, and it’s immediately going on my Waterstones wish list.
I think This Devastating Fever is going to be amazing, one of my favourite Aussie authors Charlotte Wood raved about it and boom I was sold. Also, Woman Eating was my The Colony, I so thought it was out last summer. Nope! And enjoyed your predictions video very very much so glad you did one.
@@SavidgeReads It’s not really a Women’s Prize prediction list if you don’t mention at least one ineligible book 😂
I really want to read as many on the longlist as possible, but I can't be buying them all like last year. I've got my fingers crossed that own a fair few already!
Get your library browser open the moment the list is announced. Ha.
We have two titles in common on our prediction list, but as you say, it might be that none of us will have more than 2-3 points.
All will be revealed soon!
Yesss! Can't wait for the great reveal and hope the Stockholm City Library has a bunch of the titles already shelved somewhere.
Oooo... i would love to see Briefly a Delicious Life on the list, its so beautiful!
I’m so looking forward to reading it.
Thanks Simon. Watching you and your mum last year looked like so much fun, I am going to *try* to join in and read the long list this year! I would love to see more updates along the way. Maybe as you each finish a book, you do a video review of it. It seemed several of the books we didn’t hear your thoughts about until the short list prediction. That way everyone can discuss them as we read them.
I don’t know if a video per book might be a bit much especially as we read them in just over a month between long and shortlist and 16 videos each on our channels could be intense. I am wondering if maybe we could pick a couple where we read the same book in one video and intersplice our thoughts maybe. We definitely talk about all the longlist at shortlist stage as we reveal if it’s a yes or no for each book and why, with the other not knowing which way it’s going to go for the other. Wow that got confusing 🤣
Hi Simon….Hello from Chemainus( dubbed ‘the little town that did’) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. I am a new sub and very happy to have come upon your channel. I am also ‘back on board’ (boat pun not intended after hearing you don’t like boats😜) with reading after many yrs of not and appreciate your book commentaries, reviews, and suggestions. We have the same birthday numbers ‘24’ 😁 mine being Sept, and you share a birthday with my hairdresser 💇♀️( just the date of course) so how can I not celebrate with you🥳 next month. I’m also on a binge and catching up watching your previous videos. Looking forward to adding to my library this year with your channel. 📚
Awww thank you for such a lovely message Taneese. Welcome to the channel. I hope you keep on enjoying it and find many, many, many books to get on board with. Ha. 24 also happens to be my second favourite number. So there’s something else about it. 12 is my absolute favourite. Ha. Thanks again for the lovely comment.
SO hard to make a list cause there's just so many books out there that could make it. Brutes sounds fascinating! i've got lots of tentative library reservations in case various things make the longlist, so excited for the announcement now.
This is one of the many, many, many reasons that libraries are so brilliant.
Some good ones on your list simon. Thankq
A pleasure!
Eagerly await this video every time this time of year rolls around 😊 I’m hoping Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver does well 😊
I think many, many people do.
I wasn’t that into Luminaries either , but you had me at “eco warriors”
I’ve heard so many good things.
Love your list!! I’m going cheat because I think Woman, eating and The swimmers were both published before March 31 2022…but if they ARE eligible I’m adding them to my list: Big Swiss; Birnam Wood; Briefly, a delicious life; Brutes; Fight night; Fire Rush; Night crawling; Really good, actually; Someday, maybe; Wandering souls; The sun walks down; This devastating fever; The furrows; The marriage portrait; The rabbit hutch; Wild geese.
I’ve just checked and you’re right about Woman Eating. Drats. Now I feel even worse that it didn’t make my books of the year… but I have at least got to talk about it here again. And this tends to be quite a well watched video, not blowing my own trumped. Big Swiss isn’t her till June and I wish it had the US cover. Fight Night, Fire Rush definitely got some consideration from me.
I don't tend to read literary fiction and am new to women's fiction like these, but I read Weyward in January by Emilia HArt and absolutely loved it!
I’m looking forward to hosting an event with Emilia at the end of the month!
@@SavidgeReads oh that sounds so lovely!
I want to read the long list Maybe we can all read together and discuss as we go Look forward to seeing Louise with you
I did think about reading them in a specific order and seeing if people want to join in but some may have already been read and I know mum likes to go by mood. We shall see after the actual list comes out.
I felt exactly the same about The Water Cure! Interested to see what you think of Cursed Bread because I'd definitely be up for trying Sophie Mackintosh again 👌
You also sold me instantly on Brutes!
I want everyone to read Brutes. That could be one of my books of the year as I can’t shake it.
There has been another Sophie Mackintosh hasn’t there. Blue something, or something Blue. It didn’t grab me front the premise but THIS sounds amazing.
@@SavidgeReads clearly passed me by 😂😂 but yep you're correct: Blue Ticket in 2020! Can't believe Water Cure was 2018... gonna go stare at a wall and reevaluate the concept of time 😂😭
Just put Catton's and Cunningham's novels on my library reserve lists based on your predictions. I've been looking at both for a little while but you gave me a push 😊
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, happy reading, love a good list.
Happy to be a book pusher anytime.
Thanks for your terrific predictions, or, as I call it, my next TBR. I absolutely fell in love with Elizabeth Zott (and 6.30) so would love to see Bonnie Garmus's ''Lessons in Chemistry" on the long list. I also read "The Mariage Portrait" and was totally immersed in the story.
I can't wait to hear you and your Mum discussing it all in March.
I think Bonnie’s book could definitely be on the list. It’s one both mum and I have read. I liked it loads, as I said I could have made a whole predictions of books I had read, I just don’t want a list of books I’ve read hahaha.
@@SavidgeReads And I love that you did that, suggesting books I might otherwise never know about. That's why I watch.
I’m currently reading I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai and loving it so I am hoping that it gets listed. Far too difficult to choose!
Oooh that’s a good call too. It has just arrived here. I loved Makkai’s first two books. Would like to see her get more recognition here.
I loved that too. Can't stop thinking about it.
This Devastating Fever sounds really interesting- I hadn’t heard of that one! I hadn’t thought of The Dance Tree, but it’s one I really want to read so would love to see it on the list. I predicted Woman, Eating as well, would love to see that come up so I get to it - you’ve made me want to read it even more! Nightcrawling was another one I picked, and I’m reading it at the moment. Brilliant list, I’m so excited for the announcement now. 😊📚
Sadly, Woman Eating was eligible for last years prize. Which really surprised me. But I’ve chatted about it here again so that’s good. Can’t wait for the official list to be announced!
@@SavidgeReads oh, that’s a shame. Definitely going to read it anyway! 😊📚
Thanks, Simon!🌷I’m soooo looking forward to March 7th and to yours and Louise’s WP videos!!! I can’t think of anything for you to add to or to change from how you did it last year: it was just lovely and perfect!😊📚When I started wondering “where’s Maggie O’Farrell?” you provided the answer, as on cue 😂I would also like to see Lucy by the Sea on the longlist (one of my favourites of 2022 too). I have The Dance Tree and I hope it will make the list too. A book I’m very curious about and I’ve been waiting for a …good reason 😉to buy for quite a while is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (I find the title alone irresistible 😊).
Yes. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow was one I considered, along with Bonnie Garmus actually. As another more commercial pic but wasn’t sure. We shall see.
@@SavidgeReads 😊📚
I adored tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow, just finished it at the weekend! Hope you do enjoy it if you get round to it ❤
@@bethmw28 Thanks, Beth!🥰
Great predictions! I have my fingers crossed for Sophie Cunningham who deserves to be better known.
I am very excited for this book. I’ll be reading it anyway either way. Lol.
I'm hoping for an Aussie book too, whichever one it is, we've been really quite neglected for the past few years.
I’m hoping for a few really, there’s been so many good ones out in the last year there… I don’t know why they don’t get picked up more here.
ooh good number books in yr list that I was already interested in, and now even more I want to explore! (when? who knows!)
The thing I love about books is… they can’t run away, so you can read them whenever you happen to get to them. Ha.
@@SavidgeReads ha ha yes, although now I’m picturing an entire library of wily books scurrying around
@@bibliosophie I’m pretty sure that’s what happens as soon as we walk away from the shelves. Haha.
Some good ones on there...
A Spell of Good Things is a favourite.
I really hope Maame by Jessica George makes the list. Have you read it yet?
In Memoriam by Alice Winn is brilliant! It may well be my favourite this year so far.
Lady Macbethad would be great to see on there too.
I don’t have Alice Winn yet, but I’ve heard it’s on the way. I can’t wait for Lady Macbethad, I think that could be a contender, I don’t have that one yet either. Maame I do have and am very excited for.
In Memoriam is the literary marriage of Dead Poets' Society, Brokeback Mountain and 1917. It is glorious! I want everyone to read it!
Hello Simon 🎉 I ll get Horse even though I feel the same as you about horses. Really interested in A Spell of Good Things too Oeuvre œuvre The Furrows will be a must for me.
Oooooooeuvre! Let’s say it again. Hahaha. Hope you enjoy those two when you get to them.
I usually seem to have the same taste in books as you, Simon, but I really struggled with Lapvona. Glad you enjoyed it but, boy, was it graphic!
It was very graphic in parts, for some reason it was fine for me. I’ve quite a strong stomach for that though… it’s one end of the Savidge Catnip Spectrum, the dark twisted end.
I got into the women's prize through you. I need to night crawling. I loved stone blind to
?!?
@@SavidgeReads forgive me I have fybromyagia and hands don't work so well having a bad flare up at the moment.
@@whatsthetemma1308 oh Emma sorry to hear that. Your message has shown up in full. So lovely to hear you got into the prize through the channel/me. Made me beam. Sending you a big hug!
This has completely whet my appetite for The Women’s Prize (as if it needed it). 😂 Birnam Wood is a Macbeth ref - any connection? Thanks for kick-starting the anticipation ❤❤❤
Ooh it could be a Macbeth reference. Speaking of which Lady Macbethad is also eligable I just don’t have it yet but do want to read it. I’m gutted to learn Woman Eating isn’t eligable. I will have to make you read it so we can talk about it as I think you’d like it. Less than two weeks to go!
Hi Louise😊 Isn’t Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow also a Macbeth ref?
A great list, Simon! I don’t think I’ve read any of them. I have some investigating to do. I have to agree with some other commenters that I’ll be shocked if Demon Copperhead isn’t on the list. Not that I’ve read it or want to read it. Just because so many people are raving about it. That’s really my only prediction. So, I guess the list is out two weeks from today. A bit of a wait.
I’ve heard raves but personally I am not that fussed about reading it, so I thought maybe a judge or two might feel the same way. If it’s in the list of course I’ll read it. But I probably won’t if it’s not. I DNF’d The Lacuna and don’t love Dickens so… 😬 hahaha. Would be boring if we all liked the same things though.
@@SavidgeReadsh, for goodness sakes. Of course I’ve read Nightcrawling. It was in my top five last year. I absolutely loved it and want to see it get more love than just just the Booker longlist. I knew there was something that was tickling my brain when I wrote that I didn’t think I’d read any of the books on your list.
I’ve just added some of these to my wishlist, including Schoolhouse and the new Fiona McFarlane that you mentioned in an aside. Some like Birnam Wood and Briefly, A Delicious Life we’re already on my wishlist.
What about Barbara Kingsolver???
She may very well be on the list. She’s just not on my list. If she’s on the actual list then I look forward to trying her again.
I normally love reading the list but I’m on a book buying ban. I love the sound of Brutes. I’d love to see Love Marriage by Monica Ali on the list, it seems to have fallen under the radar.
Maybe see if you can reserve the list at your library when it comes out 😉 I think Monica Ali’s book was eligible for last years prize.
I do wonder if Demon Copperhead and The Marriage Portrait and Lucy By the Sea will be on there? Stone Blind wasn't great on audiobook IMHO, I found it a bit infantile. I know Greek Gods can be petulant but I didn't enjoy listening to Perseus go on and on about trivial stuff, would have preferred that his voice wasn't in it at all. I really wanted to like it but it wasn't a shade on Madeline Miller's Circe.
Ha. I think that’s exactly how Natalie, and Medusa, want you to feel about Perseus… so you could say job done 😉
How do you explain last year’s winner The Book of Form and Emptiness. I DNF it a few short chapters only
I liked it. Everyone has different tastes. And that was the book the five judges felt was their winner. That’s kind of as explanatory as I can get 🤣
💜💜📚💜
Equally like you Simon I would love to see Lapvona make the list, I just think it's more than good enough and I just thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it and appreciating the plotting, the pacing, the characterisation, just wonderful!
I'd also really like to see True Biz & Milk Teeth make the list but I've also done a full predictions video here: th-cam.com/video/YP_JpWE1u2U/w-d-xo.html
I think not picking the big name authors is probably the way to go as the womens prize seems to like the lesser known books/authors for them to then highlight, with a few big name authors sprinkled in.
Either way, I'm very much looking forward to the announcement in 2 weeks time and hope they're all a surprise to me as I'd love a fresh stack of books to read!
I watched your video yesterday and thought I had commented but maybe I didn’t. I do that a lot, mentally comment, physically forget with a lot of video. Milk Teeth is a book I need to read. I loved Saltwater and it was the winner when I chaired the Portico Prize. I dunno if I feel that no big names will be on the list as in years gone by there’s been some on long and shortlists, they just might not have won. Though Kingsolver and Ozeki have. But I think that’s happening more and more with prizes. No author is a safe bet and that’s exciting.
Really liked Nightcrawling
I’m looking forward to getting to it.
There’s only 4 probable contenders that I’ve read that I’d love to see on the long list
Demon Copperhead
Tresspasses by Louise Kennedy
Lucy By The Sea
Lessons in Chemistry
🍀👋☘️📚📖📕☕️
I did consider Lessons in Chemistry, which I liked a lot, I would also be happy to see Trespasses on the list and get to read it. Lucy By The Sea was my joint 20th prediction hahaha.
Is Demon Copperhead eligible? It is my best book of the past decade.
It is indeed. It’s just not made my list 😉
This is my wishlist (not predictions):
Disorientation
Take My Hand
True Biz
All this could be different
After Sappho
Patricia Wants To Cuddle
Bad Fruit
The Pharmacist
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Ooh True Biz I don’t have on my shelves or it would have been in the mix. I don’t think Patricia Wants a Cuddle is eligable for this year as it’s out here after April 1st, next year it will be though. So many potential books for this year.
disorientation is fantastic
Birnam Wood isn't great. It's mostly a long rant about NZ politics. There is very little about eco- warriors and the literary thriller component barely exists. Great writing but that's about it. I think it's being hyped by the literary world but as an ordinary reader it fell flat
Oooh I’ll have to see how I feel when I get around to it. I’ve only heard great stuff, good to get a mixture of opinions on every thing, books can be so subjective.
Otherwise, Horse.
🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎