In which the most deserving candidate wins

[dolorous_ett]

Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall has won the Booker Prize!

I would have been beside myself with rage if it hadn't. Best book I've read for years.

Comments

[lareinenoire.livejournal.com]

I have been hearing so much about this book recently; clearly I need to get myself a copy! And, to be honest, it's nice to see a historical novel win the Booker. Gives me hope for a century from now if I ever finish writing mine. ;)

[dolorous-ett.livejournal.com]

It's a very good book - I'd heartily recommend it. Whether in the category of "historical novel" or out of it (Mantel herself seems a bit ambiguous about whether this is a meaningful category or not herself).

[lareinenoire.livejournal.com]

Whether in the category of "historical novel" or out of it (Mantel herself seems a bit ambiguous about whether this is a meaningful category or not herself).

That makes me even happier. I am very much against arbitrary classification since nothing I write really fits into any pre-existing category. Sadly it hasn't yet been published in the US, although I can guarantee the Booker win will change that.

[zoepaleologa.livejournal.com]

Historical novelists FTW.

Haven't read it, either. It's been on my to-read list for some time.

[dolorous-ett.livejournal.com]

Keep it on that list! It's really very good.

(and when I was reading it I thought of your Russian epic - though I don't know enough about Russian history to know whether this is at all an apt comparison - apologies to both you and Mantel if it's not!)

[zoepaleologa.livejournal.com]

Apologies may be due to Mantel. I doubt my thing's as good in my wildest dreams!

[nineveh-uk.livejournal.com]

Another one who must read it soon...

[dolorous-ett.livejournal.com]

DO IT! It's brilliant. And I think you'll like her style.

[dbassassin.livejournal.com]

*waits patiently for library to get its 60 copies in circulation*

I'm about 400th on the reserve list, so I won't be reading it any time soon, but I'm definitely looking forward to it.

[dolorous-ett.livejournal.com]

It's a long wait, but I think you'll think it's worth it. You'll enjoy her evil wit.

[dolabellae.livejournal.com]

So happy! I didn't have any faith in the judging panel making the right decision, so it was great to come back from holiday and find that they had. Now, if only I'd put that bet on way back in spring when I read the book...

[dolorous-ett.livejournal.com]

I don't mind about not having bet, as my favourites don't usually win. But I am very very VERY pleased the best author won this time.